LL Cool J became the first rapper to receive a Kennedy Center Honor at a ceremony in Washington, DC tonight. Singer Gloria Estefan, musician Lionel Richie, television producer Norman Lear, and dancer Carmen de Lavallade were also among this year’s honorees. “I am blown away. This is the biggest musical award you can receive,” LL Cool J told The Washington Post. “To be recognized by your country, and to be able to represent hip-hop as an art form is amazing. I’m surprised, grateful, humbled and honored.” At 49, he ties with Stevie Wonder as the youngest artist to receive the award. Notably, tonight’s gala is also the first time that neither the current president nor the first lady has attended the Kennedy Center Honors; in August, Donald Trump announced that he would not be attending after multiple honorees threatened to boycott the event if he were present.

Put the work in. Dream huge dreams. Put some more work in. Keep the faith. Praise GOD. Adjust. Dream some more. Put some more work in. Repeat. And we don’t stop!!!! If We can do it, You can do it.. @kennedycenter #KCHonors

A post shared by LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) on Dec 2, 2017 at 12:46pm PST

I believe that we are built to do anything we put our minds and proper actions to. 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!! 🎤 #KCHonors #StateDepartmentDinner #hiphop

A post shared by LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) on Dec 2, 2017 at 11:35pm PST

The @KennedyCenter Honors Class of 2017. Truly Honored to be sharing this special moment with this group of extraordinary people. Congratulations to my fellow honorees!!! #KCHonors

A post shared by LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) on Dec 2, 2017 at 11:46pm PST