Busta Rhymes Makes History With Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the VMAs

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Busta Rhymes was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the MTV VMAs, cementing his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most innovative icons.

The stage turned into a celebration of hip-hop culture as Busta, flanked by his longtime partner Spliff Star, delivered a fiery performance of classics like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Break Ya Neck,” and “Pass the Courvoisier.” Adding to the moment, rappers Joyner Lucas, Papoose, and GloRilla joined him on stage, bridging generations of hip-hop and showing Busta’s enduring influence across the culture.

Beyond his catalog, Busta’s career has been defined by boundary-pushing visuals—“Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check,” “Gimme Some More,” and “What’s It Gonna Be?!” with Janet Jackson remain staples of hip-hop artistry. His creative vision reshaped how rap videos were seen, merging surrealism, color, and cinematic flair into unforgettable cultural moments.

The Rock the Bells Visionary Award was more than an accolade—it was a statement. Busta Rhymes’ impact is larger than music; it’s performance, visuals, and legacy all wrapped in one. His VMAs moment reminded the world why his name belongs permanently in hip-hop’s hall of greatness.

Busta Rhymes isn’t just a rapper—he’s a visionary whose legacy keeps evolving.