Busta Rhymes paid tribute to the late MTV VJ Ananda Lewis during his VMAs acceptance speech on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The hip-hop legend honored the beloved television personality while accepting his inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award. Moreover, his heartfelt tribute brought attention to Lewis’s significant contributions to MTV’s golden era.
Ananda Lewis passed away in June at age 52 following a battle with breast cancer. Her sister Lakshmi confirmed the tragic news on social media earlier this year. Unfortunately, MTV’s awards ceremony failed to include an official tribute to their former VJ.
Busta Rhymes Receives First VMA Award After 35-Year Career
It’s Rhymes’ first win, despite being nominated for 16 VMAs throughout his career. The 53-year-old rapper finally received recognition from MTV after decades in the music industry. Furthermore, LL Cool J presented him with the prestigious inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
“Y’all know I usually do these long speeches, I’m not gonna do one today,” Busta began his acceptance speech. He jokingly added, “But next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, y’all gonna let me talk as long as I want!” This lighthearted comment highlighted the long-overdue nature of his recognition.
Hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes performed an impassioned mashup of his hit songs — including “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It” and “Scenario.” He was joined by rappers Joyner Lucas, Papoose and GloRilla, all dressed in red leather ensembles. The performance showcased his enduring influence on hip-hop culture.
Heartfelt Tribute Honors Ananda Lewis’s MTV Legacy
During his acceptance speech, Busta took time to honor his late friend and colleague. “I want to thank — and I think we all need to acknowledge — the incredible woman that loved us very much when we came to MTV during the ’90s,” he stated. His words reflected the deep respect artists had for Lewis during MTV’s most influential era.
“An incredible woman that loved me and she loved us. She loved the culture; she lifted us up,” Busta continued. He emphasized Lewis’s role in supporting hip-hop artists and celebrating Black culture on television. Additionally, he expressed his personal feelings by saying, “I love her very much. I miss her very much.”
The rapper concluded his tribute with specific acknowledgments to Lewis’s family. “The late, great, incredible royal empress Ananda Lewis. I want to big up her mother, her father, her sister Lakshmi,” he said. This personal touch demonstrated the close relationships Lewis maintained throughout her career.
Ananda Lewis’s Television Career Spanned Multiple Decades
Lewis first joined MTV in 1997, becoming a prominent voice during the network’s golden age. She hosted both Total Request Live and Hot Zone during her tenure at the music channel. These shows positioned her as a bridge between mainstream television and hip-hop culture.
Her hosting style resonated with both artists and audiences across racial and cultural lines. Lewis brought authenticity and warmth to her interviews with major music stars. Moreover, she helped introduce many emerging artists to broader audiences through MTV’s platform.
Lewis left MTV in 2010 to pursue her own television ventures. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show, which allowed her greater creative control over content. This transition demonstrated her evolution from network host to independent media entrepreneur.
Cancer Battle and Legacy Continue to Inspire Fans
Lewis announced her cancer diagnosis publicly in 2020, sharing her health journey with fans. She revealed that the cancer had metastasized and reached stage IV in 2024. Throughout her battle, she maintained transparency about her experiences with the disease.
Her openness about cancer helped raise awareness about breast cancer in Black women. Lewis used her platform to encourage early detection and regular screenings. Furthermore, she provided hope and support to others facing similar health challenges.
The television icon’s death in June 2025 marked the end of an era for MTV culture. Her influence extended beyond entertainment into social advocacy and health awareness. Consequently, her legacy continues to inspire new generations of media professionals.
MTV Fans Express Disappointment Over Lack of Official Tribute
Social media users criticized MTV for failing to include an official tribute to Lewis. Many fans pointed out her significant contributions to the network’s most successful period. Additionally, they highlighted the contrast between Busta’s heartfelt acknowledgment and MTV’s oversight.
“Having contributed to much of MTV’s golden age, the fact that the awards show didn’t mention Lewis at all was disappointing,” fans expressed online. The absence of recognition seemed particularly glaring given her historical importance to the network. Moreover, her role in elevating hip-hop culture deserved formal acknowledgment.
Busta Rhymes’s tribute filled the gap left by MTV’s programming choices. His spontaneous recognition reminded viewers of Lewis’s lasting impact on music television. Therefore, his words served as both personal remembrance and public advocacy for her legacy.
