The Scene: Diddy's Walk Of Fame

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 2,362nd 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