On December 3, Queen Latifah will be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement alongside comedian Billy Crystal, Grammy-winning singer Dionne Warwick, the soprano Renée Fleming, and the pop singer and songwriter Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees.

She is only the second Hip-Hop artist to be named an honoree (LL COOL J was honored in 2017).

“It will allow us a moment to be part of the fabric of America, which is really what we are,” she told The New York Times. “It will be one night where the people who are in the highest offices in the most powerful nation in the world will honor Hip-Hop music and one of its daughters."

Queen Latifah emerged as a prominent figure in the male-dominated Hip-Hop industry. She fearlessly tackled social issues, showcasing her versatility as an artist through hits like "U.N.I.T.Y." and "Ladies First." Her trailblazing contributions to rap music paved the way for future generations of female artists, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way.

Transitioning seamlessly into the world of acting, Queen Latifah's talents continued to shine. Her undeniable charisma and natural talent graced both the big and small screens, solidifying her status as a respected actress. Whether portraying strong-willed characters or delivering heartfelt performances, she consistently displayed her range and ability to command attention. Her roles in acclaimed films such as Chicago, for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and Set It Off demonstrated her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters, earning her critical acclaim and accolades.

The Kennedy Center Honors will be broadcast at a later date by CBS and hosted by Gloria Estefan.