Queen Latifah can now add honorary doctorate degree to her list of many accolades. On Monday morning (May 14), the rap veteran was presented with the certification by Rutgers University during their commencement ceremony.

The degree holds a special place in the rapper/actor's heart as the school is located in her home state of New Jersey.

"What a university this is," the Newark native said in her address to the graduates. "I'm a Jersey girl born and bred. So when it comes to homecomings, I'll take the words of Garden State's own Jon Bon Jovi who wrote: 'Who said you can't come home? That's the only place where they call me one of their own.'"

She continued, "This place has shaped me. Whether it's been your home for four years or 40 years, or something in between, you carry it with you. Just as I have. Long before Living Single and Set It Off and Chicago, it's lesson I learned right here at home that made me the person I am."

The "U.N.I.T.Y" rapper wasn't the only hip-hop artist to receive an honorary doctorate degree recently. On Saturday (May 12), Chance The Rapper was presented with the same honor by Dillard University in New Orleans when he gave their commencement speech.

They both join the likes of Kanye West, Lecrae, LL Cool J and other MCs who have obtained honorary degrees.

Check out video from the Queen's commencement speech below.

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