Ms Dana Owens, better known as Queen Latifah, has made history as the first female rapper to be honored by the Kennedy Center Honors.
And we here at the Female Rap Report would definitely like to congratulate the Queen!
NPR Writes -
The stars came to D.C. Sunday to celebrate this year's Kennedy Center Honorees: Billy Crystal, Dionne Warwick, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb and Queen Latifah, who became the first female rapper to win the prestigious award.
Among the artists who paid tribute to the Honorees were Kerry Washington, Jay Leno, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Erivo, Sigourney Weaver, Clive Davis, Missy Elliott and Ben Platt.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life of our nation.
As the ‘First Lady of Hip Hop,’ Queen Latifah shaped and innovated the art form in its earliest days, representing black women everywhere and using the idiom to become a powerful voice for change" —David M. Rubenstein, Kennedy Center Chairman says of Latifah
Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter, had this to say
“This year’s slate represents an extraordinary mix of individuals, who have redefined their art forms and demonstrated remarkable tenacity and authenticity in becoming an original. Each of them has explored new terrain, stretched artistic boundaries, and most importantly, committed to sharing their gifts with the world. This year we pay special tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a uniquely American culture whose constant evolution is one of enduring relevance and impact, reflecting our society as it has grown into an international phenomenon. Hip hop has been an important, thriving art form here at the Center for a number of years; what a privilege it is to bestow an Honors to the First Lady of Hip Hop who has inspired us along the way.”
The Queen was extremely honored when she learned of the news
“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center. 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 work the Kennedy Center does is immeasurable so I’m beyond grateful for this recognition.”
Latifah On The Red Carpet
While on the red carpet for the event she had this to say -
"This is important for our entire country. It's important that hip-hop is recognized as a true American art form that should be celebrated and honored in this way. And I'm hoping, I'm only the first of many women hip-hop artists that get this award and that hip-hop continues to grow from here, and really be treasured as what it is.
This changed our whole lives and created a whole economic stream for people who might not otherwise have it an opportunity."
Queen Latifah’s recognition, at the gala, is a testament to her groundbreaking influence in hip-hop, particularly as a pioneering female artist. Her iconic tracks like “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Ladies First” have left an indelible mark on the genre. The ceremony saw tributes from artists such as Missy Elliott, who recalled the impact of Queen Latifah’s feminist anthem “Ladies First,” stating it communicated a powerful message of respect and leadership, NPR reports.
Before the ceremony, President Biden spoke about the genesis of hip-hop and Queen Latifah’s significant role in its evolution.
Biden emphasized Queen Latifah’s journey from Newark, celebrating her as a “natural storyteller” and talked about her first album, which she released at age 19.
Actress Kerry Washington had this to say backstage about the Ladies First rapper -
"To see Queen Latifah be a Kennedy Center honoree is so beautiful because I think it's an acknowledgement from the Kennedy Center of the importance of hip-hop, right?
And it's also an affirmation that you can be anyone anywhere and reach the highest honors of culture. It's not that Queen Latifah woke up as a little girl and said, "I wanna be honored by the Kennedy Center one day."
She woke up and said, every day throughout her life, "I wanna be the very best version I can be, and I wanna be true to myself." And that commitment to her truth and her excellence is what got her here.
So I think it's so inspiring to so many people and so affirming of hip-hop, and so celebratory for Black women everywhere. It really was so rewarding to get to see her receive all the praise and love and acknowledgement for how important she's been to all of us, to the world."
Introducing the Queen to the stage was long time friend Mc Lyte -
"I'll just start it off with Dana O, cuz we come from a hip-hop family so I know along with everyone in this room, in the entire universe we know you to be Queen Latifah getting to know you over our past 30-year friendship I've come to know you as bold strong sincere courageous warm real, funny, real funny.
You taught us that ladies first was not just a coin phrase but instead an Anthem with words to embody, words that called out to young women and girls to take their rightful place as the Queens that they were meant to be. This toast is for you and and showing us exactly how a true Queen moves. Here here to Queen Latifah thank you so much for all that you have done. Thank you!"
Looking stunning, Queen Latifah took the stage and joked
"I don't know what I'm doing, last after Dionne Warwick? What is going on here? Barry Gibb? Renee Fleming? I mean happy birthday that sounds like, my birthday is March 18th wherever you want to pull up you know "
Then got serious and kept things short.
"I want to thank you Kennedy Center, I know these a serious time so I'm so glad that we get to come together tonight to celebrate one another through ART."
Again.. Congratulations Queen on being honored for your life's work, and thank you!