Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was honored Friday (June 2) by the National Arts Club by bestowing him with the gold medal of honor for Lifetime Achievement in music.

This marks the first time a Hip Hop figure has been honored by the organization, which lauded Simmons for his impact on today’s music.

Speakers at the ceremony included former roommate and music mogul Andre Harrell, older brother Danny Simmons, and producer Swizz Beatz, who sent a video from Paris honoring the former head of Def Jam.

In other news, Angie Martinez has vowed that she will never rap again.

In a brief interview on ALBe Back’s One Minute Show, the radio personality said of fan’s chances of hearing her ever rap again: “Never, ever in your life.” Watch the interview below: