Queen Latifah First Female Hip Hop Artist to receive Kennedy Honor

“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,” Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter said in a press statement. “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 who has inspired us along the way Deborah F. Rutter, .” Queen Latifah will be the first female rapper to be inducted at the prestigious ceremony on Dec. 3 in Washington, D.C.