Hollywood is the epicentre of entertainment and is recognised globally as where the most prestigious stars are honoured for their contribution to the world of show business. Figures from the realms of film, television, radio, music and theatre all aspire to end up on the walk. Since 1984, it has been categorised as a historic cultural monument and, to this day, is a tourist hotspot.
The Hollywood Walk Of Fame sees 24 induction ceremonies annually and doesn’t just celebrate figures from the US but recognises contributions to entertainment from people across the English-speaking world.
The stars on Hollywood Boulevard are the brainchild of E.M. Stuart, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s president during the 1950s. From Elvis Presley to Marilyn Monroe, some of the most well-known entertainers are featured on the walk, and so many stars have been recognised; in 1994, it was extended one block to the west from Sycamore to LaBrea on Hollywood Boulevard.
Since hip-hop’s inception, it has struggled to get recognition from esteemed establishments. From the Grammy Awards to respected commercial radio stations, rap music has always had to fight for respect. However, in 2006, the first emcee was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and ever since, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has considered rappers to be inducted.
On January 4th 2006, Queen Latifah was honoured for her contribution to music with hit songs like ‘U.N.I.T.Y.’ and ‘Weekend Love.’ The lyricist (real name Dana Owens) is considered one of the Queens of Rap, and since then, on an annual basis, rap stars have appeared on Hollywood Boulevard.
Below, you can see a list of all the hip-hop acts who are currently on the walk and the year they were officially revealed.
Hip-hop icons on the Hollywood Walk of Fame:
- Queen Latifah – 2006
- Diddy – 2008
- Pharrell Williams – 2014
- LL Cool J – 2016
- Pitbull – 2016
- Ice Cube – 2017
- Snoop Dogg – 2018
- Cypress Hill – 2019
- 50 Cent – 50 Cent
- Missy Elliott – Missy Elliott
- Ice-T – 2023
- Ludacris – 2023
- 2Pac – 2023
