Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame Induction: Queen Latifah, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and More!
By The Luxe Team
The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta has announced its star-studded class of inductees for this year. Among the distinguished honorees is the iconic Queen Latifah, who has made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry throughout her illustrious career. Alongside her, notable artists such as Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and Jermaine Dupri have also been selected for this prestigious recognition. The announcement, made by the Black American Music Association and the Georgia Entertainment Caucus, is a fitting tribute to Black Music Month, celebrating the immense contributions of Black artists.
Joining the 2023 class of honorees are other influential figures from the world of music and entertainment. Magic Johnson, known for his accomplishments both on and off the basketball court, will receive this esteemed recognition. Dallas Austin, the renowned producer and songwriter, whose work has left an indelible mark on the industry, is also included. Marvin Sapp, the acclaimed gospel artist, and Mahalia Jackson, a legendary gospel singer, will be honored for their contributions to the genre. Each inductee will be presented with a distinguished Crown Jewel of Excellence emblem, a symbol of their remarkable achievements.
The Crown Jewel of Excellence emblems will find their permanent place on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, located in front of the Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. This iconic location will serve as a testament to the immense talent and cultural impact of the inductees. The annual induction ceremony, which recognizes notable contributions to Black music and culture, is eagerly anticipated and is scheduled to take place in October.
Catherine Brewton, Vice President, Creative at BMI attends Billboard Women in Music 2022 at YouTube Theater on March 02, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Billboard
Catherine Brewton, one of the co-founders of the Walk of Fame, expressed her excitement about this year's inductees, emphasizing that they “embody the essence of Black excellence. Each honoree possesses an extraordinary body of work that will continue to inspire and influence generations to come.” Alongside Brewton, the organization's other founders, including Demmette Guidry, Erica Thomas, and Michael Mauldin, have played a pivotal role in establishing this esteemed institution.
The newly announced class of inductees joins a long roster of past honorees who have left an indelible mark on the music and entertainment landscape. Legends such as James Brown, Otis Redding, Quincy D. Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Berry Gordy have previously been recognized for their extraordinary contributions. The list of esteemed inductees also includes influential figures like Cicely Tyson, Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Cathy Hughes, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff, Robert Smith, RUN DMC, and T.D. Jakes.
The Walk of Fame has also paid tribute to contemporary stars who have made significant contributions to the industry. Renowned artists such as Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Patti LaBelle, and Prince have been honored for their musical prowess and cultural impact. Additionally, notable performers like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, NAS, Outkast, and Snoop Dogg have received this esteemed recognition for their contributions to the music industry. The Walk of Fame has extended its reach beyond music to acknowledge the accomplishments of talented actors such as Angela Bassett and the contributions of entertainers like Tyler Perry and Steve Harvey.
The Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, founded in 2021, has quickly become a symbol of excellence and a celebration of Black music and culture. It serves as a platform to honor and immortalize the extraordinary talents that have shaped the industry. The upcoming induction ceremony, set to take place on October 26 in Atlanta, Georgia, promises to be a memorable event that pays tribute to the exceptional individuals who have enriched the world with their artistry.
