In a groundbreaking moment for the hip-hop community, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah became the first female rappers to receive the prestigious National Medal of Arts.
The award, bestowed by President Joe Biden, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the nation’s cultural life.
Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott are two iconic figures in the hip-hop world, renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to the genre. Both artists have carved their own unique paths, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Both attended the National Humanities Awards ceremony at the White House on Monday, October 21. The ceremony also honored filmmakers Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, actress-director Eva Longoria, and the late Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.
On Monday, President Joe Biden handed out the National Medal of Arts and National Humanities honors at the White House.
The National Medal of Arts is the highest honor any artist can receive from the United States government. To be exact, “the highest award given to artists, arts patrons, and groups by the United States Government and honors exemplary individuals and organizations that have advanced the arts in America and offered inspiration to others through their distinguished achievement, support, or patronage.”
Missy Elliott took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her excitement about receiving the prestigious award, writing, “I am HUMBLY GRATEFUL! Crying Tears of joy! Thinking of the days I wasn’t so strong, but through FAITH and PRAYER, I kept going.”
“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,” the 53-year-old “Work It” emcee wrote in another post.
Elliott’s recognition follows a string of recent accomplishments, including becoming only the third female rapper to earn $2 million from a single concert. Her performance at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena during her “Out of This World Tour” grossed over $2 million, putting her alongside Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat as the only female Hip Hop artists to reach this milestone.
Beyond music, Queen Latifah expanded her career into acting, landing a starring role in the 1990s sitcom Living Single, which became a cultural cornerstone for Black women. She later earned critical acclaim for her role in the 2002 film Chicago, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. From Set It Off to Beauty Shop, she showcased her versatility across genres, eventually becoming a powerhouse in Hollywood.
Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott are trailblazers who have significantly contributed significantly to the hip-hop community. Their music continues to inspire and influence future generations of artists, cementing their status as two of the genre’s most iconic figures.
