Palestinian, Lebanese rappers to perform at Kennedy Center in Washington

Rappers from the Palestinian territories and Lebanon will perform at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center in Washington on Tuesday as part of a cultural exchange program.

The show is part of an initiative launched by the State Department whereby "young performing artists from diverse and traditionally underrepresented communities?participate in professional development training in the United States," the State Department said.

Hip-hop artists from Argentina, the Philippines, and Vietnam will also perform on Tuesday.

The cultural exchange is part of the State Department's efforts to promote "smart power" by exposing foreigners to the U.S. and "increasing mutural understanding between Americans and people of other nations."