LL Cool J

Protests were held globally after video footage from Minneapolis showed a white police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes.

The 46-year-old could be heard repeatedly telling the officer, "I can't breathe".

Around the world, music became a crucial way for people to express their grief and anger.

He will be awarded alongside musician Lionel Richie, singer Gloria Estefan, TV writer Normal Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade.

The awards annually celebrate arts figures for their contributions to American culture.

LL Cool J tweeted: "To be the first rap artist honoured by the @kencen is beyond anything I could have imagined."

He added: "Dreams don't have deadlines. God is great."

At 49, he ties with Stevie Wonder as the youngest artist to receive the honour.

The crowd at the church's annual gift giveaway could not believe their eyes when the performer showed up, loaded with presents.

He donated individually-wrapped bags stuffed with toys to 675 families and their 1,700 children.

"I'm just glad I can do this," LL Cool J told CNN affiliate WCBS as he mingled with church members and posed with them in selfies.

The rapper said he hopes "my power and my influence and my ability to say a kind word can go a little further to inspire a couple of kids to do something good."