LL COOL J got the rare chance to light the National Christmas Tree alongside President Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden.
The tree lighting took place outside the White House on November 30, but the actual TV event aired on Sunday (December 11), with LL serving as the host for the big show. The ceremony marked the 100th anniversary of the holiday tradition, and the Queens rap legend marked the occasion by helping to spread some Christmas cheer.
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LL COOL J documented his trip to the nation’s capitol on Instagram over the weekend, sharing various clips of him preparing for the ceremony, lighting the famous tree and even snapping a selfie with President Biden backstage.
“The most epic selfie you’ll see today,” he captioned one of his posts. “Such an honor to be lighting the National Christmas Tree with The President of The United States.”
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In another post, fans can see LL standing next to President Biden and First Lady Jill as they began the countdown to light up the tree.
Viewers and attendees at the event were also treated to performances by Yolanda Adams, actress Ariana DeBose, Andy Grammer, Gloria Estefan, Shania Twain and Joss Stone.
LL COOL J’s big moment at the National Christmas Tree lighting came shortly after fellow Hip Hop pioneers appeared on ABC’s reboot of The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration television event, where performed their holiday anthem “Christmas In Hollis” for the first time in nearly two decades.
Originally released in 1987 as part of Jimmy Iovine’s A Very Special Christmas compilation album, Run-DMC’s “Christmas In Hollis,” went on to become a Hip Hop classic and helped the LP reach 4x platinum status.
In other LL COOL J news, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee recently announced the inaugural Rock The Bells Hip Hop Experience Cruise in celebration of the genre turning 50 years old next year.
The unique four-night cruise experience sets sail from Miami to The Bahamas in November 2023, and will feature performances from Trina, Trick Daddy and many more.
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“It took 50 years, but it’s finally here! This Cruise is for Hip-Hop, because you deserve it,” LL wrote on Instagram. “The Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is setting sail in 2023.
“We’re dropping the line up at the top of the new year, but put $100 down to reserve your cabin today or sign up to be the first in line.”
