Hip-Hop Icon & Actor Busta Rhymes Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
LONG ISLAND, NY – Hip-hop legend and actor Busta Rhymes, who grew up in Uniondale, Long Island, has been honored with one of entertainment’s most enduring accolades – a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held on Friday, August 1, 2025, marked the installation of the 2,818th star, recognizing Busta’s outstanding contributions to the recording industry.
Friends, collaborators, and fans gathered along Hollywood Boulevard for the event, which was emceed by radio personality and fellow Walk of Famer Big Boy. The celebration drew an impressive lineup of speakers, including comedian Chris Rock, Long Island rap pioneer LL Cool J, and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D, each offering their own tribute to Busta’s legacy. LL Cool J praised the rapper as someone “born to do something universal,” while Chris Rock reflected on the unique energy Busta has brought to hip-hop for more than three decades.
Busta Rhymes, born Trevor George Smith Jr., first emerged on the music scene in the early 1990s as a member of the Uniondale-based group Leaders of the New School. His powerful stage presence and rapid-fire delivery quickly set him apart, leading to a highly successful solo career. Over the years, he has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, earned 12 Grammy nominations, and produced a long list of hits including “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Break Ya Neck,” and “Touch It.”
In his acceptance speech, Busta expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, crediting his family, friends, and fans for supporting him throughout his journey. He also paid homage to Long Island, where his musical roots were formed. “Uniondale is where it all started,” he said, acknowledging the local community that helped shape his artistry before he rose to international fame.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which administers the Walk of Fame, lauded Busta Rhymes as “one of hip-hop’s most enduring and electrifying voices.” His star is located at 6201 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of East Town, and will now join the names of other cultural icons whose work has left a lasting mark on music and entertainment.
The ceremony also served as a celebration of Long Island’s rich musical heritage. Alongside Busta on stage were LL Cool J and Chuck D, both Long Island natives, whose careers have likewise shaped the sound and influence of hip-hop. Their presence highlighted the region’s role in producing artists who have not only dominated the charts but also defined eras of music.
From his early days performing in small venues across Long Island to collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, Busta Rhymes’ career is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and cultural impact. His Hollywood star now stands as a permanent tribute to a legacy that began right here on Long Island and continues to inspire artists around the world.
Summary Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Honoree | Busta Rhymes (Recording) |
| Star Number | 2,818th |
| Ceremony Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Location | 6201 Hollywood Boulevard |
| Emcee | Big Boy |
| Speakers | Chris Rock, LL Cool J, Chuck D |
| Career Highlights | 20M albums sold; 12 Grammy nominations; multiple chart-topping hits |
| Local Roots | Uniondale, Long Island; began with Leaders of the New School |
Q&A: Busta Rhymes and Long Island
Q: Where on Long Island did Busta Rhymes grow up?
A: Busta Rhymes grew up in Uniondale, a hamlet in Nassau County, where he attended Uniondale High School before launching his music career.
Q: How did Busta Rhymes get his stage name?
A: Public Enemy’s Chuck D gave him the name, inspired by NFL wide receiver George “Buster” Rhymes.
Q: Which group was Busta Rhymes a part of before going solo?
A: Leaders of the New School, a hip-hop group formed on Long Island in the late 1980s.
Q: What are some of his most famous songs?
A: “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” “Break Ya Neck,” “Touch It,” and “Pass the Courvoisier, Part II”.
Q: Has Busta Rhymes won any major awards?
A: While he hasn’t won a Grammy, he has received 12 Grammy nominations, multiple BET Hip Hop Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards.
Busta Rhymes by the Numbers
- Birth name: Trevor George Smith Jr.
- Born: May 20, 1972 (Age 53)
- Hometown: Uniondale, NY
- Albums released: 10 studio albums
- Career span: 30+ years in music
- Notable collaborations: Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Missy Elliott, Chris Brown
Long Island’s Hip-Hop Connection
Long Island has produced some of the most influential voices in hip-hop, from Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav to LL Cool J, Rakim, and De La Soul. Busta Rhymes’ Hollywood Walk of Fame honor adds another chapter to this legacy, showing how a region better known for rock and pop also shaped the evolution of rap music.
