Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah and More Tribute to LL Cool J

There's no question that LL Cool J can be credited as one of the pioneers of bringing hip-hop to a mainstream level throughout his lustrous career, and now our icons are making sure we all recognize it. During the Kennedy Center Honor ceremony this week (Dec. 26), veteran names such as Busta Rhymes, Black Thought and more perform an epic tribute to the Queens MC, who is the first rapper to receive the award from the Kennedy Center.

Rhymes kicks things off with a bang by performing a rendition of one of LL's biggest hits, "Mama Said Knock You Out," before handing the spotlight over to MC Lyte, who performs another one of his classic joints, "I'm Bad." Soon after, we see Black Thought emerge, who performs Cool J's "It Gets No Rougher" throwback and DMC concluding the performance by doing a cover of the Phenomenon rapper's "Rock The Bells" record.

Also during the evening of honoring LL Cool J, as well as other icons, Queen Latifah and Questlove shared some powerful words about the veteran figure and his impact on music, entertainment and more.

Be sure to watch LL Cool J's tribute, as well as his friends share their remarks about him at the Kennedy Center Honor ceremony below.

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