Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah

Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah made history as the first rappers to receive the National Medals of Arts during a ceremony at the White House on October 21, hosted by President Joe Biden. They were honored for their significant contributions to music, with Elliott receiving her medal for 2022 and Latifah for 2023. Alongside them, notable figures such as filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Spike Lee, and the late Selena Quintanilla, who received a posthumous humanities award, were also recognized. Elliott expressed her gratitude on social media, reflecting on her journey and congratulating Latifah for her achievements. The National Medals of Arts are the highest honors given by the U.S. government to artists and arts patrons, celebrating exemplary contributions to the arts.