(AURN News) — On this day in 2024, hip-hop legends Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott made history as the first rappers to receive the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the U.S. government.
President Joe Biden presented the awards during a White House ceremony recognizing Americans for their contributions to arts and culture.
Queen Latifah, who broke barriers for women in hip-hop with songs like “Ladies First” and “U.N.I.T.Y.,” was recognized for her influence on music and entertainment. Missy Elliott, known for hits like “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On,” was honored for her groundbreaking contributions to music.
Elliott celebrated the moment on social media, thanking Biden and praising Queen Latifah for opening doors for future generations of artists.
Other honorees included filmmaker Spike Lee, actor LeVar Burton and the late singer Selena Quintanilla. The ceremony honored 39 recipients: 20 received National Medals of Arts and 19 received National Humanities Medals.
