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)

Speaking on stage at 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 trailblazers 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!"