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UPDATE: On Tuesday night, LL Cool J received the ultimate tribute at the 40th Annual Kennedy Center Awards. Hip-hop all-stars Busta Rhymes, Black Thought, DMC and MC Lyte all took the mic and saluted LL Cool J with a medley of his biggest hits.

Busta Rhymes hit the stage with Spliff Star and performed Momma Said Knock You Out. DMC tackled the crowd-pleaser Rock The Bells. Black Thought laced up with It Gets No Rougher. But MC Lyte stole the show with her amazing performance of I’m Bad. Watch all the performances below or skip right to MC Lyte at 3:47.

 

Congrats again to LL Cool J for winning this prestigious award at the Kennedy Center Honors, an accolade given only to those who have made a lifetime contribution to American culture. And,  the first rapper ever to receive the honor.

WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 3: Actress, Dancer and Choreographer Carmen de Lavallade, Singer-Songwriter and Actress Gloria Estefan, Hip Hop Artist LL COOL J, Television Writer and Producer Norman Lear and Renowned Musician and Record Producer Lionel Richie are recognized for their achievements in the arts during a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage. THE 40TH ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS, to be broadcast Tuesday, Dec. 26 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Pictured L-R: Queen Latifa, Tariq Black Thought Trotter, Darryl D.M.C. McDaniels, DJ Z-TRIP, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, and Ahmir Questlove Thompson (Photo by Timothy Kuratek/CBS via Getty Images)

The “I Need Love” icon is among legendary company to receive the KCH stamp of approval: Lionel Richie, Gloria EstefanNorman Lear, and Carmen de Lavallade will receive nods as well.

TELL US: What is your favorite LL Cool J moment from music, tv, or film?

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