Busta Rhymes Pays Tribute During His Big Moment
Busta Rhymes received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award at the MTV VMAs on Sunday. Instead of focusing only on his own win, the hip-hop star used his time on stage to remember someone MTV did not.
During his acceptance speech, the 53-year-old rapper honored Ananda Lewis, the late MTV VJ who passed away in June from stage IV breast cancer. His words filled a gap many fans noticed — MTV did not give Lewis a formal tribute.
“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,” Busta said. “She loved the culture; she lifted us up. I love her very much. I miss her very much. The late, great, incredible royal empress Ananda Lewis.”
Fans Applaud Busta, Criticize MTV’s Silence
While Busta’s tribute moved the crowd, many viewers quickly turned to social media with mixed emotions. They praised him for giving Lewis her flowers, yet questioned why MTV itself stayed silent.
Ananda Lewis was a vital part of MTV’s golden era, hosting Total Request Live and Hot Zone during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Fans expected the network to celebrate her life with a dedicated tribute. Instead, her name was missing from the show’s official program, leaving disappointment across the audience.
Busta’s speech reminded the world that Lewis’s role at MTV was more than just on-screen work. She shaped the culture and uplifted artists during a time when hip-hop and R&B were breaking into the mainstream.
Ananda Lewis’s Legacy in Television
Lewis first joined MTV in 1997, quickly becoming one of the network’s most recognizable faces. She connected artists with fans and brought authenticity to youth culture. After leaving MTV in 2010, she hosted The Ananda Lewis Show and continued to work in television.
In 2020, Lewis revealed her breast cancer diagnosis. She fought publicly and bravely, later sharing that the disease had reached stage IV. She passed away earlier this year at 52, leaving behind a legacy of strength and cultural influence.
Her story is a reminder of how women, especially Black women in media, often hold communities together yet are overlooked when history is written. Busta Rhymes’s tribute ensured her name would not be forgotten.
A Moment That Resonates Beyond the VMAs
The MTV VMAs are known for music, fashion, and viral moments. This year, Busta Rhymes created something deeper. His words about Ananda Lewis turned his award into a shared honor.
Fans called it both touching and necessary. Many noted that while the network ignored her, a fellow artist made sure her light was remembered. In his own words: “The blessings don’t stop, so we don’t stop, baby.”
For those who grew up watching MTV in the 1990s and early 2000s, Ananda Lewis remains a symbol of culture, connection, and care. Thanks to Busta Rhymes, her impact was honored on one of music’s biggest nights.
