LL COOL J has been honoured for his contribution to race relations.
The rapper and actor was awarded the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award at a party at the home of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons in New York on Monday.
The award was given on behalf of The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding which aims to promote black-Jewish and Muslim-Jewish relations.
Named after Joseph Papirofsky, who produced theatre productions, the organisation said it felt that LL Cool J, real name James Todd Smith, had contributed to the Jewish community.
Simmons, who is co-chair of the foundation along with founder Rabbi Marc Schneier, said: "LL has long history of social and political activism.
"He is one person who is not recognized enough for his gifts. I'm very happy to have honored him for his many contributions."