Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah made history as the first rappers to receive the prestigious National Medals of Arts and Humanities, awarded by President Joe Biden at the White House. This honor marks a significant recognition of their contributions to the arts and culture.
Elliott expressed her heartfelt gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of JOY! Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong but through FAITH & PRAYER I kept going.” She extended her thanks to President Biden, celebrating not only her achievement but also congratulating other honorees, stating, “I’m SO THANKFUL @POTUS & CONGRATULATIONS to the other amazing ppl who was blessed with this honor.”
In a touching tribute, Elliott also praised Queen Latifah, referring to her as a trailblazer in the industry. “And a BiG CONGRATS to my sis @IAMQUEENLATIFAH who deserves all the bouquets she also was honored today! Thank you for kicking down doors QUEEN for me & those after you. #NationalMedalsofArts @FLOTUS. The entire committee,” she wrote, highlighting the importance of Latifah’s influence and the path she paved for future artists.
The National Medals of Arts and Humanities are the highest honors for artists in the United States, celebrating exceptional contributions to the cultural landscape. The ceremony, which combined the 2022 and 2023 awards, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and included a total of 39 honorees.
Among the other notable figures recognized were filmmaker Spike Lee, actor LeVar Burton, the late singer Selena Quintanilla, and actress Eva Longoria. President Biden addressed the gathered artists, stating, “Above all, you are the masters of your craft that have made us a better America with all of you have done.” His remarks underscored the impact of the honorees on American culture and society.
The recognition of Elliott and Latifah marks a milestone in the appreciation of hip-hop as a vital part of the artistic landscape, reflecting the genre's profound influence on contemporary culture. Their achievements not only honor their individual legacies but also highlight the importance of diversity in the arts.
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