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.
2023 Grammys: 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Tribute Gallery
