LL Cool J to become Hip Hop’s first ‘Kennedy Center Honoree’ (VIDEO)

Written by | Ray Cornelius 

LL Cool J will make history tonight as the very first hip hop star to ever receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. He will be recognized for his decades of influence and artistry as a pioneering rapper + entertainment icon.

“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” said the rapper on a recent Instagram post.

LL Cool J will be honored alongside Grammy winning singer and Motown star Lionel Richie, trailblazing dancer and choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, Cuban megastar Gloria Estefan and pioneering TV producer and writer Norman Lear.

The Kennedy Center Honors Gala will air on the CBS Network for the 40th consecutive year as a two-hour primetime special on Tues., December 26 at 9 p.m. ET.

Photo Credits: Instagram/LLCoolJ