10 November 2024
Busta Rhymes thanked LL Cool J and his mother as he received the Global Icon gong at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) on Sunday (10.11.24).
Busta Rhymes at the EMAs in Manchester
The 52-year-old rap star admitted that he was thrilled to win the Icon award, after "34 years of professionally recording".
Speaking on stage at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Busta said: "This is my first time here. I’ve never got an award from MTV before.
"Thirty-four years of professionally recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. It feels f****** incredible."
Busta thanked his mother - who he described as his best friend - and fellow rap icon LL Cool J during his acceptance speech.
The 'Touch It' hitmaker admitted that LL, 56 - who also attended the ceremony in Manchester - inspired him to pursue a career as a rapper.
He explained: "I want to salute my brother LL Cool J. Everything that I aspired to be, that man planted that seed."
What's more, Busta suggested that his "generation" of rappers will prove to be trailblazer for the genre.
The New York-born star insisted that he doesn't have any plans to retire from the music business.
Busta - who starred in the rap group Leaders of the New School in the 1980s, before finding success as a solo artist - said: "You better believe that you will see me and the generation that I come from become the first James Browns and Mick Jaggers of this rap s***. Because I am never going to stop."
Busta previously described winning the award as a "celebration" of hip-hop culture.
The rapper - who performed a medley of his songs after receiving his award - said: "I am beyond honoured and grateful to receive the MTV EMA Global Icon Award.
"This recognition is not only a celebration of my career but also of hip-hop culture. To be acknowledged on this global stage is a reminder that hip-hop has no boundaries - and neither do I!"
English (US) ·