LL Cool J Becomes The First Rapper To Receive The Kennedy Center Honor

LL Cool J has broken many barriers throughout his career, and Saturday he was recognized for his contributions as a performer throughout the years.

According to Vibe, LL Cool J has become the first rapper to receive a Kennedy Center Honor. The award has been called the nation’s highest award for a performer.

Kennedy Center President, Deborah F. Rutter, said, “Each of this year’s Honorees became known to and loved by the world because of their complete originality and bold genius. They are creators of the highest order, and as President Kennedy’s living memorial, the Kennedy Center is proud to shine a light on their boundless ‘contributions to the human spirit.”

LL Cool J took to social media to express his excitement. He said,

I believe that we are built to do anything we put our minds and proper actions to. You have all the tools inside you that are required for you to fulfill your GOD given purpose. This one is for those who came before me and those who followed me. We were sent to this planet to love and inspire one another. Manifest our dreams and make them a reality. I hope you’re inspired by me because I’m absolutely Inspired by you. Mic check 1212 Let’s ride!! ???? #KCHonors #StateDepartmentDinner #hiphop

A post shared by LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) on Dec 2, 2017 at 11:35pm PST

The other four honorees included Lionel Richie, Gloria Estefan, Norman Lear and Carmen de Lavallade.

The 40th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on Dec. 26th  at 9pm.

Source: https://www.vibe.com/2017/12/ll-cool-j-kennedy-center-honor/