Hip hop legend Busta Rhymes has become the latest Long Islander to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Uniondale native, behind hits like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Don’t Cha” with the Pussycat Dolls, took his place among music’s elite with a ceremony in Hollywood that celebrated more than 30 years of influence.
“I feel born again today. I feel complete today,” Rhymes, who received a star in the Recording category, said during a speech that reflected on the journey that brought him there.
Radio personality Big Boy emceed the event, which featured tributes from fellow Long Islanders Chuck D and LL Cool J.
“When I think about Busta Rhymes: awe-inspiring power, commitment to his craft… commitment to excellence as an artist and performer,” Cool J told the crowd at the Aug. 1 ceremony.
“The brother’s career is magic,” he continued. “He’s a leader of the new school who’s become one of the leaders of all schools. That’s pretty powerful.”
Rhymes fought back tears during a heartfelt speech
Rhymes, born Trevor Smith Jr., first rose to prominence in the early ’90s with Leaders of the New School before launching his solo career with “The Coming” in 1996.
It was his sophomore album, “When Disaster Strikes…,” that cemented him as a trailblazing rapper and performer, driven by his singular, deep-voiced rapid-fire delivery and inventive videos.
Revered by peers across generations, Jay-Z and KRS-One have both called him “the greatest performer of all time,” while the late Phife Dawg dubbed him “the James Brown of hip-hop.”
Over the years, Busta has collaborated with a staggering list of legends and icons, including Dr. Dre, Janet Jackson, Eminem, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige — and even Ozzy Osbourne and Dave Chappelle.
Rhymes has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, according to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and built a reputation as one of Hip Hop’s most enduring voices.
Uniondale High School now boasts two alumni on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, 1972 Uniondale graduate, was honored with a star in April.
At Rhymes’ induction ceremony, guest speakers Swizz Beatz and longtime collaborator Spliff Star also praised Rhymes for his artistry and cultural influence, underscoring a career that has spanned more than three decades.
Top images: Hollywood Walk of Fame
