As we previously reported, the Illmatic one, Nas, was set to be honored by the esteemed Harvard University as the latest recipient of the W.E.B. DuBois Medal, and the ceremony went down last night. The accolade is the highest honor in the field of African and African-American Studies at the university, and is awarded to those who have made “contributions to African-American culture and the life of the mind.”

Nas is the first ever in the hip-hop world to receive the honor, while past recipients include Muhammad Ali, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Charlayne Hunter-Gault (the first black woman to enroll in the University of Georgia) and more.

“Historic night for the rap game. At the Hutchins Center Honors for the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal ceremony,” Nas said on Instagram. “This is a first for the Rap Game to receive this award but, definitely not the last. Thank you. #HarvardHistory.”

With music with a message, a scholarship fund (the Nasir Jones Fellowship) and a continued impact on the world, I think Escobar was more than deserving. Congrats! Check out more pics from the night in the gallery.

Marisa Mendez: Twitter || Instagram

Source: LifeIsTremendez