Back in the mid-late eighties, LL Cool J was hard as hell. He would battle anybody. In 2016, he’s so much more than his rhyming skills, and for that the 48-year-old has been awarded the 2,571st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Hit the jump for more.

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Right by his side to speak on LL and congratulate him in front of the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Blvd., were P. Diddy, Queen Latifah (both pioneers themselves) and the NCIS: Los Angeles cast.

“I’m grateful, this is pretty big for me,” LL says about the honor.

Ladies Love Cool James adds, had it not been for one individual his career would not have lifted off and soared to the heights we’ve seen it reach today.

“This familiar face that I’m looking at across there,” he says as he points to a man in the crowd, “is a guy who gave me my break, produced my first record, [and] he’s one of the greatest producers in the world. His name is Rick Rubin.” He continues, “If it wasn’t for Rick Rubin calling a 16-year-old back … back in 1984, I wouldn’t be standing here now. So, thank you.”

Hit up the gallery for more happy moments with Lady Love.

LL Cool J fun fact: He was the first rap artist to amass 10 consecutive platinum-plus selling albums.