LL COOL J took to the MTV VMAs stage to pay tribute to the legendary Def Jam record label in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
The rap icon kicked off the tribute with “Headsprung” on Wednesday night (September 11), performing in front of the crowd while wearing his signature red Kangol hat. Some in the audience waved images of goats as he began singing his single “The GOAT,” which popularized the phrase “greatest of all time.”
Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav kicked off “Bring the Noise” before LL took back the reins with “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Rock the Bells,” “Around the Way Girl” and “Goin’ Back to” .
He also performed some songs from his new album “The FORCE”, “Passion” and “Proclivities”, concluding with “Doin’ It”.
Busta Rhymes introduces LL COOL J, calling him “a true trailblazer… and a hero of mine.” He added, “Not only was he an innovator in hip-hop, he was not only a godfather, a big brother and a mentor. He was the first An artist who releases an album on Def Jam is also a force to be reckoned with.
Earlier Wednesday, LL COOL J released the nostalgic video for his collaboration with Eminem, “Murdergram Deux.” The two recreated several album covers from Hip-Hop’s golden era, including LL’s 1987 album Bigger and Deffer.
Eminem also performed at the ceremony, kicking off the ceremony with a performance of “Houdini.” LL COOL J’s VMA performance had the audience wearing his signature red hat, while Em’s stage was packed with clones wearing blond wings.
Jelly Roll made a virtual appearance on tour, performing “Somebody Save Me” with Eminem.
