He’s so deserving!
Rapper Ludacris, born Chris Bridges, was honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame last week, CBS News reports. An award winning artist, Ludacris has sold more than 24 million albums, using his platform as a rapper to expand his brand into acting, animation, philanthropy, and a number of business pursuits. Since 2003, he has starred in the “Fast and Furious” franchise, set to appear in the upcoming seventh installation. He also has credits on blockbuster movies like “No Strings Attached,” “Crash,” and “Hustle & Flow,” which he earned a SAG Award for.
Now the multi-hyphenate rapper has been awarded the 2,756th star on the Walk of Fame in the “Motion Pictures” category. Joining him for the momentous occasion was fellow peer LL Cool J, comedians Queen Latifah and Larry Wilmore, and “Fast and Furious” co-stars Vin Diesel and Tyrese Gibson. LL Cool J, who Ludacris credited with inspiring him to pursue a rap career, called him a “true titan,” reminding Ludacris that he deserved this honor.
“You burst on the rap scene 25 years ago. Look at you now. You’re multi-hyphenate - an icon, a rap superstar, A-list actor, business mogul,” said LL Cool J.
Diesel echoed those sentiments, speaking to the close bond Ludacris shares with his children and how good of a person he is even outside of his talent.
“I could take two lifetimes explaining to the world the significance, your significance both to the world and to my family. We’ve never seen anybody dominate the music world and then come and dominate cinema while being entrepreneurial in the way that he is,” Diesel added.
The “Southern Hospitality” rapper also got a special surprise at the ceremony from his daughter Karma Bridges who called him a “hero,” and “the perfect example of a father.”
“After receiving your text on Thursday, asking if I could make it to L.A. for your Hollywood star - it took everything in me to come up with an excuse of why I couldn’t make it here today. The truth is, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I am so proud of you, Dad. Congratulations to a legend of an artist and a legend of a father,” said Karma.
A father of four girls, Ludacris launched the animated series “Karma’s World,” a children’s series aimed at empowering young Black girls inspired by his own daughter. It is currently in its fourth season on Netflix and has earned the rapper two NAACP Image Award nominations. He is also the creator of “Kid Nation,” a media platform that educates young children about current events through music.
Ludacris thanked his family, wife, and team for helping him to get this far. He also paid homage to the late director John Singleton, and his “Fast and Furious” co-star Paul Walker who passed away in 2013. Ludacris took some time off from his sold out tour with Janet Jackson to accept the honor. As he reflected back on how far he has come, the rapper seemed even more excited for the future.
“It’s been two decades and counting of building a brand and a legacy. And I love my current village right now, because it is so strong,” he exclaimed.
Congratulations Ludacris!
Cover photo: Rapper Ludacris honored with star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame/(l to r) Vin Diesel, Karma Bridges, Ludacris and LL Cool J at Walk of Fame ceremony on May 18, 2023/Photo courtesy of Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images