Rapper, Nipsey Hussle, Receives Posthumous Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Nipsey Hussle was honored posthumously today with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The ceremony came over three years after the rapper was shot dead outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on what would have been his 37th birthday.

It took place in front of family and friends on Hollywood Boulevard. His longtime girlfriend, actress Lauren London, was in attendance — along with his sister Samantha Smith and grandmother Margaret Boutte.

"I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness," said London, addressing the crowd. "This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."

Smith added, "Nip the Great, look at who you are, look at what you did. I'm in awe but I'm not surprised. You've been a star in my eyes, the family's eyes, God's eyes, far before the accolades caught up."

Boutte accepted the star on behalf of Hussle's family.

"He lives forever,'' she said. "And I look at his picture and remember all the wonderful times we had together. Nipsey, I love you; I miss you, but you're close at heart always."

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, the Los Angeles native worked his way from gang member to Grammy Award-winning musician and gang reformer during his abbreviated life.

To help keep others out of gangs, Hussle worked with the city on public works projects and provided shoes for students and shelter and accommodations for the homeless. One of his community improvement efforts, a redeveloped strip mall, housed the shop where he was killed on March 31, 2019, by 32-year-old Eric R. Holder Jr.

The gang member was convicted of first-degree murder in July. Sentencing is set to take place in September. Holder faces up to life in prison.

Watch the entire presentation below:

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Virginia Street to be Renamed in Honor of Missy Elliott

Romana Pierzga, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What do you get for the rapper with everything?

Portsmouth, Virginia, may have found the answer — at least when it comes to its native superstar, Missy Elliott.

The Portsmouth City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to rename a portion of one of the municipality's streets, "Missy Elliott Blvd.," in honor of the woman dubbed "Queen of Rap" by various media outlets over the years.

Elliott, born Melissa Arnette Elliot at the city's Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, seemed moved by the honor.

The artist, who has sold more than 30 million records over her career and won four Grammys, responded to the announcement by tweeting, "I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾 P-TOWN🙌🏾 VA #757 LOVE💜."

Currently named McLean Street, the road serves the city's recently rezoned entertainment district. A shopping center, community college and the future home of the Portsmouth Rivers Casino are among the businesses and institutions that lie along its path.

I am forever GRATEFUL🙏🏾 P-TOWN🙌🏾 VA #757 LOVE💜

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) August 10, 2022

Busta Rhymes to be Honored as BMI Icon at 2022 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

 Photo Credit: Joseph "Jo Lenz" Kindred

Rapper Busta Rhymes will receive the performance rights organization's highest award at BMI's 2022 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on Sept. 7, at a private event held at Miami Beach's LIV Nightclub.

The BMI Icon Award, presented to songwriters, composers or producers who have distinctly and profoundly influenced the music industry, will be given to the 50-year-old musician in celebration of a career spanning three decades.

BMI vice president Catherine Brewton, who will host the show with BMI president & CEO Mike O'Neill, said in a statement that the organization was excited to honor Rhymes as one of the pioneers of hip-hop.

"Through his award-winning solo work, countless collaborations and acting, Busta is a true innovator in every sense of the word and has made a dynamic impact on legions of fans and music creators worldwide," Brewton said. "His quick wit and intricate rapping style have made him legendary, inspiring many young performers to follow in his footsteps."

Previous recipients of the award include Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, LA Reid, Babyface, Al Green, Isaac Hayes and James Brown.

Rhymes began his career as a member of Leaders of the New School. The hip-hop crew, founded in the late 1980s, got its big break in the early 90s as the opening act for rap icons Public Enemy. Their two albums spawned multiple hits, including the classic "Case of the P.T.A.," which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles Chart.

Following the dissolution of the group Rhymes became a sought-after collaborator on other artists' projects. His solo debut "The Coming" reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1996 and made him a superstar.

In the ensuing years, Rhymes has received numerous accolades and awards, including six BET Awards, eight BMI Awards, a Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Award, a Soul Train Award, as well as 12 Grammy and 16 MTV Video Music Award nominations.

Hits like "Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check," "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See," "Break Ya Neck," "Dangerous," "What's It's Gonna Be?" and "Gimme Some More" have cemented his status as an anthem-maker and icon of his genre.

While his work away from music, roles in "Shaft," "Finding Forrester" and "The Rugrats Movie," as well as competing in FOX's "The Masked Singer," has helped expand his cultural profile and keep his music relevant over the years.