Podcast Summary

The Latest with Loren LoRosa

Episode: Mariah Carey & Busta Rhymes receive their 1st Video Music Award EVER... this is ridiculous! + Gunna does 1st ever VMA half time
Date: September 8, 2025
Host: Loren LoRosa
Network: The Black Effect & iHeartPodcasts

OVERVIEW

This episode of "The Latest with Loren LoRosa" dives deep into the moments, surprises, and cultural conversations sparked by the 2025 Video Music Awards (VMAs) in New York. Loren reacts with disbelief to the fact that icons Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes received their first-ever VMA awards this year, and unpacks what that says about music industry recognition. Loren also spotlights historic performances, including Gunna's unprecedented “VMA halftime,” Doja Cat’s boundary-pushing stage presence, and the absence of a tribute to Ananda Lewis. The episode takes a strong stance on celebrating Black culture and contribution, while questioning the industry’s pace in giving artists their due.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

Red Carpet Highlights (05:10–07:10)

• Celebrity Appearances: Ciara and Doja Cat brought serious star power. Summer Walker appeared with a much older new boyfriend, confirming her “sugar baby” era.
• Summer Walker Confirms New Music: “Summer Walker told us that the music is on the way.” (06:21)

The Awards Show & Host (07:10–09:10)

• LL Cool J Hosts: A New York legend suits the night’s hip-hop tribute theme.
• Generational Disconnect: “You could tell them people did not know who the hell a Busta Rhymes was. And it was embarrassing to watch.” (08:30)

Doja Cat’s Performance & Pop-Hip-Hop Fluidity (09:10–11:40)

• Opening Glitch & Surprise: Doja Cat interrupts LL Cool J, then launches into a showstopping performance with Kenny G.
• Genre Blurring: Loren highlights how Black artists like Doja Cat effortlessly blend genres:

  “There are people who do not have rap conversations about Doja Cat. But you’re looking at Doja Cat on the stage and she is giving super pop star...But also, you could put sis on her. People will argue that Doja Cat is top female rapper as well, too.” (10:45)

Mariah Carey Receives the Michael Jackson Vanguard Award (12:00–15:16)

• Shocking First: This is Mariah’s first VMA ever.
• Notable Quote:

  “I just have one question. What in the Sam Hill were you waiting for? No, I’m kidding. I love you, mtv. I love you...This is amaz. Being here brings back amazing memories...” – Mariah Carey (Mariah's acceptance, 14:20)

• Tribute to Her Roots: Mariah opens her performance with the “Fantasy” remix feat. ODB, signaling her deep hip-hop beginnings.
• Industry Commentary:

  “People have this conversation about JLO all the time...But when you talk about a Mariah Carey, the same can be said...When you think about her beginnings, Mariah Carey has always been a fan of rap.” (15:00)

Busta Rhymes Wins His First VMA, Ever (15:17–20:22)

• Historic Moment: After three decades and numerous nominations, Busta wins his first VMA—the Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
• Notable Quote:

  “I know Busta Rhymes ain’t saying this is the first time he done touched a Moomin a VMA award. There’s no Busta Rhymes career...if Busta Rhymes ain’t ever got that award?” (17:10)

• Busta’s Speech:

  “Thank you, King. Elle, thank you for being my hero. One of my greatest inspirations. The reason I wrote my first rhyme, LL Cool J...The next time y’all take 35 years to give me one of these, they’re gonna let me talk as long as I want.” – Busta Rhymes (Speech excerpt, 18:40)

• Architect of the Music Video: Loren contextualizes Busta’s impact—his wild, effects-heavy videos changed the game for decades.
• Research Confirmation: Loren confirms with Busta's team that this is truly his first VMA win.

Missing Tribute to Ananda Lewis (20:23–21:30)

• Notable Absence:

  “There were a lot of people who felt like there should have been a tribute for Ananda because she was mtv...She fought for our music there, which is why Busta Rhymes took the time.” (20:30)

Gunna’s Unprecedented VMA Halftime Performance (21:31–25:00)

• VMA First: Gunna leads the first-ever halftime performance at the VMAs, tied into an Under Armour sponsorship.
• Timing & Industry Context: Occurs right after Young Thug’s headline-making interview about their relationship.

  “Gunna ain’t saying nothing, acting like life is all good...He got the Under Armour partnership right on time for, you know, this whole mental health and mental and physical wellness branding...” (24:00)

Additional Highlights (25:01–end)

• Kenny G Plays with Doja Cat.
• Sabrina Carpenter’s Performance: Loren is charmed:

  “She’s just so cute. I like to look at her.” (26:00)

• Lotto & Ice Spice Appear Together: Noted for their new song “Gat”—surprising given their past feud.
• Broadcast Milestone:

  “This was the first year ever that the show was on CBS... just did that whole new merger with CBS and Sky Dance and all the things.” (27:10)

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

• On Industry Slowness to Recognize Black Talent:

  “This show really screamed and echoed just how amazing we are as Black culture creators and entertainment and just how slow the world still is. Like, I still cannot believe that...this is the first year that Busta Rhymes...receives a video music award.” (27:34)

• On Giving Flowers Too Late:

  “Maybe...do we appreciate the inclusion in the finally of the moment? Like finally, 35 years later, Busta Rhymes is getting his just due...or do y’all feel like it’s a little bit too late?” (end, ~28:10)

• Closing Call to Audience:

  “At the end of the day, there’s always so much to talk about. And I tell my low riders, y'all could be anywhere with anybody talking about it, but y’all choose to be right here with me every single episode. And I appreciate you guys for it.” (close, ~29:00)

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

• Intro + Red Carpet Recap: 05:10–07:10
• Doja Cat's Opening/LL Cool J: 09:10–11:40
• Mariah Carey's Award & Performance: 12:00–15:16
• Busta Rhymes' First VMA/Speech: 15:17–20:22
• Busta's VMA History Explored: 17:10–19:55
• Missing Tribute to Ananda Lewis: 20:23–21:30
• Gunna’s VMA Halftime: 21:31–25:00
• Quick Fire Honorable Mentions: 25:01–28:10
• Reflections on Recognition, Inclusion: 27:34–end

FINAL TAKEAWAYS

Loren LoRosa’s episode is equal parts VMA recap and cultural critique, highlighting how overdue the music industry is in honoring Black trailblazers like Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes. The show’s blend of humor, exasperation, and celebration underscores both the ongoing struggle for recognition and the power of Black artistry to shape popular culture. From historic wins to surprise performances (and missed tributes), this year’s VMAs are a lens on who gets their flowers—and when.