Rapper Busta Rhymes’ name now decorates star number 2,818 on the Hollywood Walk of Fame following a ceremony held on Friday to honour the Class of 2025 inductee for his contributions in the recording category.

The artiste, who was born Trevor George Smith Jr in the United States to Jamaican parents, has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, received 12 Grammy nominations, debuted seven top 10 entries on the Billboard 200, and gained some 60 million gold and platinum certifications.

Following multiple plaudits from mentors and inspirations of the artiste, Busta Ryhmes stepped up to the lectern to deliver his acceptance speech. The revered rhymer, who was clad in black pants and shirt complemented by a red, white and black jacket, was visibly impacted by the magnitude of this latest milestone in his career.

“I’ve been fighting some tears, bear with me, because… I worked so hard, and I never asked for shortcut. I never asked for a cheat code, and I never was raised by people, or artistes, or a support system that made it seem OK to try to go around honestly earning your rite to passage,” the audibly teary rapper said.

The rapper initiated his career as a member of the mid-80s to 90s outfit Leaders of the New School, but matriculated into a globally recognised solo behemoth fuelled by visually stunning, story-driven music videos and a one-of-a-kind recognisibly rap cadence.

The rapper’s solo journey began with The Coming, but the true turning point was ushered by his undeniable sophomore record When Disaster Strikes… which spawned hits such as Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See, Dangerous, and
Turn It Up. The rapper has also flexed his acting muscles in films such as Finding Forrester, and Shaft. He can be seen next in the film reboot The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson.

“Imma start off by thanking my mother; my mums is my greatest superhero. My father, too, but the reason why I’m leaning so much on my mums is ’cause my mother and my father had two different approaches in how they wanted to do whatever they could to secure the win for me,” the artiste said.

He noted that his father was a licensed electrical contractor who couldn’t envision a sustainable career as a rapper. As such, his father would insist that a teenage Busta accompany him, during the summertime, on jobs to be mentored into learning the trade.

“I got two beautiful Jamaican parents. My father, his love was tough, but I understood to love it and appreciate it as I got older,” he said.

Busta shared that he merged the performing mannerisms and cadence of two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J with the dancehall stylings from Jamaica to create his rap persona.

Rapper-turned-actor and sometimes TV host LL Cool J was on site to laud Busta Rhymes for his “awe-inspiring power and commitment to craft”.

“A good father, a good father, I said, a good father, a good man, a survivor and a thriver,” he added. “You’re a star, baby.”

LL Cool J further highlighted the importance of the induction and its representation for people who have been “denied access and opportunity”.

Iconic 90s rapper Big Daddy Kane also added words of praise for the honoree, saying: “Since I first met him [he was] always taking notes”, always a sponge observing, which contributed to the artiste he is today.

“He is still that dude.”

Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who Busta Rhymes credits for his moniker, shared how he first became drawn to the genre and eventually serving as mentor to the rapper.

“My generation was into disco, [but] I like the way this thing is put together,” Chuck D shared about being exposed to hip hop. “The biggest thing we tell them [mentees] is ‘be different,’ be outstanding.” The rapper added that he encouraged Busta Rhymes to “be difficult” or complicated with his skill set, so he can’t be outdone or undone by his peers.

“You can try to imitate Busta, but you can’t duplicate him,” Chuck D said.

Jerry Neuman, chair of the board of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, gave the opening remarks at the beginning of the ceremony before master of ceremonies, renowned radio icon Big Boy took over to marshal the event.

“I have never seen a prouder son of his father,” Neuman said in recognition of Busta’s relationship with his child and other members of his family.