On Sunday the 10th of November 2024, Award-winning and legendary American rapper Busta Rhymes was honored with Global Icon Award at this year’s MTV EMAs.

Busta Rhymes was honoured with the decorated and highly-profiled gong after 34 years of professionally recording. The event which came off at Manchester’s Co-Op Live was beautifully hosted by Rita Ora. 

The rapper expressed how honored he was to win his first ever award from MTV after over 3 decades of being in the rap game. 

“This is my first time here. I’ve never got an award from MTV before.”

“Thirty-four years of professional recording, this is the first time I’m getting an award from MTV. It feels f****** incredible.” He said.

He thanked his mother and fellow rapper L.L Cool J as he received the gong.

According to the New York-born superstar, Cool J, who was also at the ceremony on Sunday inspired him to pursue a rap career.

“I want to salute my brother LL Cool J. Everything that I aspired to be, that man planted that seed.” The 52-year-old MC explained.

What’s more, Rhymes suggested that his “generation” of rappers would prove to be trailblazers for the genre.

Busta Rhymes, 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.”

He had previously described winning the Global Icon prize as a celebration of hip-hop 

“I am beyond honored 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!”, Rhymes said after receiving his award and performing a medley of some of his songs.