Three distinct generations of hip-hop will join forces at the 2022 Video Music Awards as LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow come together to revamp the traditional hosting gig for the awards ceremony, scheduled for August 28 at New Jersey’s Prudential Center.
The trio will act as MCs throughout the night. MTV described this as an “innovative” move that swaps out traditional host titles. “innovative and unique”Comparable to previous shows. Doja cat mixed up the hosting format last year with a fashion-forward approach, rotating through five looks on VMAs night including the Thom Browne Worm dress.
This year’s MCs will spend the night announcing the show’s presenters, winners, and performance lineup, which currently includes BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Lizzo, Khalid, Panic! Harlow himself, as well as others, at the Disco.
Minaj will also take the stage for her first VMA musical appearance since 2018 as the latest recipient of MTV’s Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The superstar rapper has received 17 nominations for VMAs and five wins.
It’s been 25 years since LL Cool J accepted his own Video Vanguard Award, becoming the first rapper to receive the honor. Only a handful of hip-hop stars have received the prize since then, including Kanye West and the Beastie Boys.
Hip-hop has dominated the VMAs categories this season. Kendrick lamar, Lil Nas X and Harlow led the 2022 nominations. Doja Cat has racked up six. Latto and Baby Keem are among the genre’s rising stars to be nominated for Best New Artist.