LL Cool J becomes the first ever rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honor

Veteran American hip-pop act, LL Cool J, has been honoured with the Kennedy Center Honor, for his contributions as a performer throughout the years, making him the first ever rapper to receive the honour.

The 49-year-old rapper was honoured alongside singers Gloria Estefan and Lionel Richie, as well as TV producer Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade, at the first Kennedy Center ceremony under U.S. President Donald Trump, which took place on Saturday, December 2, 2017.

Taking to Instagram, to celebrate the milestone, he wrote: “I believe that we are built to do anything we put our minds and proper actions to,” wrote LL. “You have all the tools inside you that are required for you to fulfill your GOD given purpose.”
He continued: “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!!”