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LL Cool J and Simone I. Smith are one good-looking couple!
The rapper, 57, and his wife took date night to the 2025 MTV VMAs for his hosting gig at the awards show. Prior to LL Cool J taking the stage, they walked the red carpet displaying both their love and their coordinating outfits.
Together, they rocked houndstooth looks that easily made them the night’s best-dressed pair. The NCIS: Los Angeles actor wore the pattern in the form of a knee-length coat styled with a white button-up, brown trousers and gold sneakers. His look was accessorized with a striped flat hat and sunglasses. Meanwhile, the jewelry designer embraced the look in a coordinating blazer and trousers while also sporting a animal-print hat, layers of bracelets and a beaded brown handbag.
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This year, LL Cool is returning to the awards show as host (he previously stepped into the role in 2022 alongside Jack Harlow and Nicki Minaj).
“I’m giving people a night off from all the madness in the world… so they can have a good time and enjoy music and enjoy everything about music, all the different genres, all the different generations,” he told PEOPLE ahead of the Sept. 7 event.
He also teased what fans can expect of his wardrobe. “I’m going to change my clothes a couple of times, but what I’m not going to do is have 19 different pinstripe suits,” he said. “I’ll change a few times just to keep it fresh, but I’m not going to be up there, ‘Do you like my tight slacks this evening? Are they moving the crowd?’ I ain’t doing all that. I’m just going to have a good time, enjoy myself and keep it simple.”
So far, LL Cool J has made two outfit changes, slipping into a leather-focused look completed with blinged-out pants, followed by a sparkly hoodie with a jacket over it — but the night is still young!
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The star is also being honored through the show’s first-ever Rock the Bells Visionary Award, which is named after his 1985 hit song “Rock the Bells” and will be received by Busta Rhymes.
“There’s going to be a lot of really dope moments. And I think all of the fans have something to look forward to,” he added of the night.
LL Cool J and Smith married in 1995 and share four kids together: son Najee and daughters Italia, Samaria and Nina.
This past August, they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. In an Instagram post celebrating the milestone, Smith reflected on what it takes to make a marriage last. “Marriage isn’t for the weak, it’s for the faithful. It takes work, love, listening, picking your battles, being a friend, a prayer warrior, a cheerleader, and a safe place.”
“We’ve laughed, cried, prayed, forgiven, and grown—together,” she continued. “We did the work, and God did the rest.”
The 2025 MTV VMAs air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and MTV. The ceremony will also stream on Paramount+.
