LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj & Jack Harlow to host

Three of hip-hop’s biggest MCs are set to emcee the VMAs.

Rap royals LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow have been tapped to share hosting duties during this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

The taste-making trio, each boasting their own VMAs accolades, will anchor the star-studded show, announcing its first-class lineup of performers — including BLACKPINK, J Balvin, Lizzo and Panic! At The Disco. The threesome will also introduce the night’s high-profile presenters and deserving winners. 

LL Cool J, 54, who took home the “Best Rap Video” Moonman for his hit track “Mama Said Knock You Out” at the 1991 VMAs and was granted the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard in 1997, previously appeared as a presenter at the awards in 2000. 

His fellow Queens native and co-host, Nicki Minaj, 39, is poised to perform at this year’s show for the first time since 2018.

The 17-time VMAs nominee will also be the recipient of the 2022 Video Vanguard honors.  

And “First Class” crooner Harlow, 24, who leads the pack of nominees with an impressive seven nods, including acknowledgments in top categories like “Artist of the Year” and “Video of the Year,” is set to make his VMAs solo performance debut.

The microphone magnificos will join the annals of legendary VMA hosts including “Kiss Me More” songstress Doja Cat, 26, who helmed the production in 2021, “NOPE” actress Keke Palmer, 28, who took up the mantle for MTV in 2020, and comedic powerhouse Sebastian Maniscalco who took center stage as master of ceremonies in 2019. 

MTV’s Video Music Award is set to air live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 8:00 p.m.