Nas and LL Cool J are not only two of Hip-Hop’s most revered lyricists. Not only are both men from the borough of Queens, New York, they each will carry Harvard University’s W.E.B. DuBois Medals. LL was announced as a 2017 recipient, alongside Oscar-winning filmmaker Ava Duvernay, artist Kara Walker, Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Microsoft Chairman John Thompson, and Ford President Darren Walker.

Nas’ Illmatic Is 1 of 4 Hip-Hop Albums Being Preserved in Harvard’s Library

The annual award is the “highest honor” given to those making significant contributions to African American history and culture. According to The Crimson, the event will take place on October 4 in Sanders Theatre.

In 2015, Nas was among a medal-receiving class. “These are the things the kids need to see,” Nas said in his awards speech. Other past honorees include actress Pam Grier and TV/publishing mogul Oprah Winfrey, as well as the late poet Maya Angelou and boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

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This is the latest development during a busy year for Uncle L. While acting, hosting, and apparently recording more than 10 songs with fellow 30-plus-year Hip-Hop veteran Dr. Dre, “Mr. Smith” also became Rap’s first Kennedy Center honoree. That event takes place December 28 in the nation’s capital:

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The Last 7 episode above from August examines that historic feat, as well as L’s compelling re-telling of the time he and Jamie Foxx got a little too riled up on the set of Any Given Sunday, which ended in a knock-out.