LL Cool J Receives Kennedy Center Honor

Rapper LL Cool J receives the Kennedy Center Honor. This makes him the first rapper to become a Kenndy Center Honor's recipient.

The event which took place on Saturday Dec. 2, had other honorees such as Lionel Richie, Norman Lear, Gloria Estefan, and dancer Carmen de Lavallade were honored for their immerse contribution to the development of the society.

As a hip hop artist who as been in the music industry as far back as the 80s, the 49-year-old took to instagram to express his gratitude:

"I believe that we are built to do anything we put our minds and proper actions to," the veteran emcee, born James Todd Smith, penned in an Instagram caption that accompanied a few shots of moments of the evening. You have all the tools inside you that are required for you to fulfill your GOD given purpose. This one is for those who came before me and those who followed me. We were sent to this planet to love and inspire one another. Manifest our dreams and make them a reality. I hope you’re inspired by me because I’m absolutely Inspired by you. Mic check 1212 Let’s ride!!"

The broadcast of the 40th annual Kennedy Center Honors will air on Dec. 26, at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.