Since its inception in 1958, the Hollywood Walk Of Fame has become a staple must-see for tourists. No matter how laid back any given visitor is, there is still an air of excitement in seeing names of our favorite movie stars, singers and even fictional characters like Winnie The Pooh.

Even still, there has been something lacking in the thousands of stars that line the Hollywood streets: the name of a Hip-Hop artist.

On May 2, 2008, Sean “Diddy” Combs made history when he became the first male rapper to be immortalized in a star on the Walk Of Fame.

The day was also declared “Diddy Day” by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as they placed the 2,362^nd star in the concrete.

The ceremony itself was electric. It was a breezy 78 degree day in Los Angeles – near-perfect weather for the dozens of New York natives who made their way to support Diddy on his special day. Celebrity supporters included L.A. Reid Russell Simmons, Andre Harrell, Jamie Foxx, Doug E. Fresh, Derek Luke, Arsenio Hall, Michael Bivins, Bishop Don Magic Juan and Bad Boy artists Danity Kane and Day 26.

Bad Boy’s Shawn Prez worked with the promotion team to hand out “Harlem To Hollywood” shirts to the hundreds of fans, as everyone chanted and shouted in delight throughout the ceremony. An enormous “congratulations” to Diddy from Ciroc Vodka shimmered over the block from a nearby skyscraper, and several fans held up their own signs with Ciroc’s enthusiastic message amidst a sea of white balloons.

Diddy’s family, including his mother Janice Combs, long-time girlfriend Kim Porter and all of his children looked on as the ceremony kicked off. After a brief presentation from the Chamber of Commerce, recognizing his work in music, fashion, film and theater, Island/Def Jam Chairman L.A. Reid stepped up to offer his sentiments.

“God is good. This is a beautiful, beautiful day, and I’m really honored to be here,” Reid began. “I think it’s really important to make note that the true measure of a man is judged not only by his accomplishments, but by the impact that he may have on others. When I look at the impact that Sean Puffy Combs has on the world, I would say that he measures up to a great champion.”

Big Boy from Los Angeles’ radio station Power 106 stepped up next. “When it comes to a man like Diddy, this is a man that really came and thought outside the box,” said Big Boy. “There’s a lot of times when people try to stick [the Hip-Hop community] in a certain category. To see a man like this that has accomplished so many things, it lets me know and lets the whole world know that we all have a job to do, and the job can be done.”

Jamie Foxx, who just received his own star on the Walk Of Fame in 2007, also came forward to say a few words. He started by pumping up the crowd with a “Diddy” chant and a verse from “All About The Benjamins,” and after praising Diddy for his ability to throw the best parties, explained that 12 or so years ago he couldn’t even get in to the parties that Diddy attended.  

“Who knew at that time that there was going to be more working than just a party?” Foxx questioned. “Who knew he was going to come out with his own clothes? Who knew that he was going to develop our culture and our music, and make us step and dance, and have what we call swagger? I didn’t know anything about that.

“He gave us so many hits, he gave us so many artists and individuals that he influenced from Biggie, Jodeci, Mary J Blige..." continued Foxx. "Not only is he rapper, not only is he a music mogul - this individual is a legend. I’m here to be able to share this with you man, this is legendary. They will never be able to take this away from you, and for the rest of your life, your kids, your family's life and those to come, they will be able to walk down this street and see where you laid ground young man.”

Foxx and Combs embraced as they traded spots on the podium. “Today is one of the best days of my life,” said Combs with a smile. “Today is proof that if you believe all your dreams can come true. I’ve gone from Harlem to Hollywood, and through that journey I’ve had the support of my family and some of the greatest friends in the world.”

Diddy proceeded to bring up his mother, Janice Combs, and thanked her, his fans, his staff and artists for their involvement and support in his success. He gave special thanks to Andre Harrell and Russell Simmons for their inspiration.

"Today I’ve been blessed to lay along side of some of my heroes - Sidney Portier, Frank Sinatra, Quincy Jones, Denzel Washington. Everything I do every day, I try to be a shining example of hard work and what you get if you work hard.” Diddy then dedicated his star to his father and grandmother in heaven before bringing up Kim Porter and all of his children to share the stage with him.

The star was unveiled as the paparazzi frantically snapped photos, giving way to Diddy taking a few classic poses.



As the ceremony wrapped up, dozens of fans basked in the happiness of the moment as they waited faithfully to take photos and get autographs.

All in all “Diddy Day” was a whirlwind of joy and celebration on the streets of Hollywood. It was a major moment in history, and a great lifetime memory for everyone who had the honor of attending the ceremony.

Click here to view the full AllHipHop.com photo gallery!

AllHipHop.com spoke with several of the celebrities and fans who attended the event, which will be presented in The Scene video segment this week!