A few people never get to experience the honor of having their names immortalized, but for many, it remains a dream.
Rappers’ inclusion on the Hollywood Walk of Fame highlights the significant impact hip-hop has had on the entertainment industry not just in Hollywood but worldwide.
There’s however still a long way to go, as prominent figures like Jay Z and Kanye West are still not on the list.
A number of celebrities including Muhammad Ali, Tom Hanks, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Johnny Depp, and a plethora of others have their names adorn the walkway.
The Walk of Fame is one of Hollywood’s most popular tourist destinations. The entire area spans eighteen blocks, ending at Grauman’s Chinese Theater.
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The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has been announcing the names of performers who will be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame annually since the venue opened.
Regretfully, not every famous person receives recognition. Presently, the Walk of Fame boasts over 2,500 stars, the majority of which are attributed to actors and actresses, with live performers accounting for the smallest portion. The genre of hip-hop also has a minute representation. Here are a few rappers that have been honored with Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Queen Latifah
When Queen Latifah’s star was unveiled in January 2006, she became the first rapper to have a star on the walkway. But in addition to music, the rapper-turned-actress made contributions to film and television as well; she was honored with an Academy Award and an Emmy.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
After Queen Latifah, Diddy became the second rapper to receive a star on the Walk of Fame in 2008. With over twenty years of experience in the entertainment business, the mogul has amassed a solid roster of artists who have released music on his Bad Boy record label as well as chart-topping hits.
Pharrell Williams
The next rapper to join the list took some time, but the wait was well worth it. It is impossible to exaggerate Pharrell’s contributions to hip-hop and music. Working with well-known figures in the field like Snoop Dogg and Jay Z, few can contest his well-earned success.
Tupac Shakur
Pac is unavoidably included in any list of rappers honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With his album All Eyez On Me, which is among the best-selling hip-hop albums ever, he became one of the most successful artistes globally. He had established himself as a successful poet and actor before passing away in 1996. He had starred in movies such as Above the Rim, Poetic Justice, and Gang Related.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube was another rapper who transitioned into acting and was awarded this honor for his services to the entertainment industry. As a member of the West Coast hip-hop group, N.W.A., he achieved fame alongside Dr. Dre. The majority of the lyrics for their Straight Outta Compton album were penned by Cube, something that most people are not aware of.
Snoop Dogg
Seasoned rapper, Snopp Dogg has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ‘Doggfather’ took time in his acceptance speech during the unveiling ceremony to thank himself, the inspiration behind his illustrious career spanning more than twenty years. The rapper said, “I want you to thank me for always being me.”
Cypress Hill
The first Latin hip-hop group to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was Cypress Hill. Sen Dog, DJ Muggs, Eric “Bobo” Correa, and B Real broke records as the first Latin-American rap group to receive RIAA certification for platinum and multi-platinum albums. Hit songs such as Superstar and Insane in the Brain have gained international recognition. Some of today’s trending artistes, including Jay-Z and A$AP Rocky sample their songs.