Queen Latifah: First Female Rapper To Be Kennedy Center Honoree

Queen Latifah is the first female rapper to be earned a Kennedy Center honor. The event will also include a 50th-anniversary salute to hip-hop.

"This year we pay special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, a uniquely American culture whose constant evolution is one of enduring relevance and impact, reflecting our society as it has grown into an international phenomenon," Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, said in a statement per CNN. "Hip-hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip-Hop [Queen Latifah] who has inspired us along the way."

Queen Latifah responded to the news in her own statement per Entertainment Weekly. "When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, 'No'. No, you won't be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap you can't sing. No, singers can't become actresses. No, actors can't also produce," she said. "To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community. The work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I'm beyond grateful for this recognition."

The honorees were announced which includes the "Ladies First" rapper, singer Dionne Warwick, comedian and host Billy Crystal, soprano Renée Fleming, and singer-songwriter-producer Barry Gibb.

Gloria Estefan, an honoree in 2017, will be the event's host. Estefan was honored alongside LL Cool J, Lionel Richie, Carmen de Lavallade, and Norman Lear.

The Kennedy Center Honors take place on Dec. 3, at the Kennedy Center Opera House in Washington, D.C., and will broadcast later that month on CBS and Paramount+.

Earlier this year, Queen Latifah participated in the Grammys tribute to hip-hop alongside Missy Elliott, Run DMC, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, and more.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards honored the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with a tribute performance co-curated by Questlove. Before the performance began, Dr. Dre was honored with the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. "The recipient of this inaugural award is none other than an icon who helped define West Coast hip-hop and has become one of the most impactful success stories of our time," LL Cool J said introducing the legendary producer. The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was established by the Recording Academy and the Black Music Collective.

Dre explained the importance of this award. "[This award] uses my name to inspire the next generation of producers, artists, and entrepreneurs to reach for their greatness and demand that from everyone around you."

LL Cool J then lead 33 hip-hop artists to a 13-minute performance spanning several generations. Missy Elliott, Run DMC, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, Nelly, GloRilla, Lil Baby, and more took to the stage.

Take a look at the setlist for the hip-hop tribute and photos below:

Part 1:

Black Thought Narration
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “Flash To The Beat”
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “The Message”
Run-DMC – “King Of Rock”
LL Cool J – “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”
DJ Jazzy Jeff – “Rock the Bells”
Salt-N-Pepa – “My Mic Sounds Nice”
Rakim – “Eric B Is President”
Chuck D & Flavor Flav of Public Enemy – “Rebel Without A Pause”

Part 2:

Black Thought w/ LL Cool J – “El Shabazz Skit”
De La Soul – “Buddy”
Scarface – “My Mind’s Playing Tricks On Me”
Ice-T – “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)”
Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Method Man – “Method Man”
Big Boi – “ATLiens”
Busta Rhymes & Spliff Star – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” / “Look At Me Now”
Missy Elliot – “Lose Control”

Part 3:

Queen Latifah Narration
Nelly & City Spud – “Hot In Herre”
Too $hort – “Blow The Whistle”
Swizz Beatz & The Lox – “We Gonna Make It”
Lil Baby – “Freestyle”
GloRilla – “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”
Lil Uzi Vert – “Just Wanna Rock”