Queen Latifah to be Honored at the 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
2023 continues to be a historic year for legendary emcee, actress, and singer Queen Latifah. The 53-year-old is set to be honored at the 46th annual Kennedy Center, making her the first female rapper at the prestigious ceremony on Dec. 3 in Washington, D.C.
“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center,” Latifah said in a statement. “When we started on this journey decades ago, we were often told, ‘No’. No, you won’t be able to leave New Jersey. No, if you rap you can’t sing. No, singers can’t become actresses. No, actors can’t also produce. To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable, not for just me and my team, but for our community.”
The entertainment veteran is one of four honorees from the music industry, including musical icons Dionne Warwick, Billy Crystal, Bee Gees legend Barry Gibb and opera star Renée Fleming, recognized for their lifetime artistic achievements. Singer and songwriter Gloria Estefan will host the annual gala and include a 50th-anniversary salute to hip-hop music. The ceremony will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Last April, the “Just Another Day” emcee became the first female rapper to have her music included in the National Recording Registry. The list recognizes a mix of popular songs, radio broadcasts, significant speeches, and more that define the sound of the country's history and culture.
