Queen Latifah has a musical versatility that cannot be denied, and she proved that again when she sang the National Anthem at a football game.
The “Ladies First” rapper donned a white pantsuit as she belted out “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Sunday (September 10) when the New York Giants faced off against the Dallas Cowboys at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
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The performance, too, served a double duty, as it was also a tribute to the fallen of 9/11, which was recognize just one day later.
Check out the rousing performance below.
Queen Latifah is nothing if not a visionary. She’s the first female rapper to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center nomination.
On Friday (June 23), it was announced that she will become the first female rapper to be honored at the Kennedy Center Awards on December 3. CNN revealed that the “U.N.I.T.Y.” rapper will be honored alongside Billy Crystal, opera singer Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees, and singer Dionne Warwick.
“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,” Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, said in a statement to the outlet.
“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 Honor to the First Lady of Hip-Hop [Queen Latifah] who has inspired us along the way.”
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“I’m humbled to be included in this incredible list of artists honored by the Kennedy Center,” Queen Latifah said in a statement about the nomination. “To now be recognized amongst so many multi-hyphenates feels unbelievable.”
The “Ladies First” rapper made history in yet another way recently when she became the first female rapper to be added to the National Recording Registry.
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Announced on April 12, this year’s inductees also included Madonna’s worldwide hit “Like A Virgin,” Mariah Carey’s classic holiday song “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Daddy Yankee’s 2004 hit “Gasolina” and even Koji Kondo’s Super Mario Bros. theme song, among others.
Describing why Queen Latifah’s debut was included, the NRR said: “Her album showed rap could cross genres including reggae, hip-hop, house and jazz — while also opening opportunities for other female rappers.”
