Philadelphia’s music history is filled with legends, and one name that stands out is Schoolly D. Known as one of the forefathers of gangsta rap, Schoolly D put Philadelphia on the map in 1985 with his hit, “P.S.K. (What Does It Mean?)”.

Although the Bronx is widely recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop, Schoolly D carved out a lane for himself in the genre. His sound, distinct from the rapid-fire delivery of New York rap, helped shape the direction of hip-hop and influence future generations of artists.

“New York rap was very fast. I slowed it down. I talked about 52nd and Parkside and what it was like for a teenager to grow up smoking, drinking, driving his car … going to parties on the south side,” Schoolly D said.

He was raised in West Philadelphia during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“It was very Black conscience,” Schoolly D said. “I remember the fear of the Black Panthers coming. Cats were getting drafted to Vietnam.”

Despite the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, Schoolly D believes hip-hop brought a sense of hope and inspiration to his community.

“When hip-hop came, it was incredible. It was magic,” he said. “We were beautifully ignorant at the same time.”

Now, after decades of pioneering the genre, Schoolly D is being honored with an induction into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame.

Alan Rubens, chairman of the Philadelphia Music Alliance, spoke about the significance of the honor, saying, “His music has been sampled by so many artists around the world. So we thought it was time to give Schoolly D his star.”

This year’s Walk of Fame induction class also includes Stephen Sondheim, Janis Ian, David Ludwig, David Dye, The Orlons, and Settlement Music School.

Philadelphia Music Alliance will honor and celebrate Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata on behalf of the Philly Specials for their “Philly Special Christmas” albums, and Sir Bob Geldof in recognition of Live Aid’s 40th anniversary.

Since its inception in 1986, the Walk of Fame has recognized the city’s diverse musical heritage with 140 bronze plaques along the Avenue of the Arts.

Rubens emphasized the importance of celebrating the diversity of musical talent from Philadelphia, “It is classical, it is Broadway, it is soul, it is pop… rock… We want to bring to people’s attention that Philly has so many wonderful legends and touched so many genres of music.”

“I’m really honored. Philadelphia, we changed the world,” said Schoolly D. S: CBS

The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986 as a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as one of the nation’s oldest and most prolific music capitals. Established by music executives and concerned citizens in order to recognize the legacy of vast contribution of Philadelphia to all the musical genres, the Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.

The Music Alliance is best known for the Walk of Fame along Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts. This series of over 150 bronze commemorative plaques honors Philadelphia area musicians, music professionals and radio DJ’s who have made a significant contribution to the world of music throughout our city’s history. The Walk of Fame is the City’s most impressive public monument to the people who have made Philadelphia a great music city.

The PMA works to ensure a continued vibrant music making community through its music education programs for city school students and local college students, as well as supporting partnerships with outstanding music education programs such as Musicopia, Project 440, JazzPhiladelphia and others – all designed to not only to encourage our city’s continued stellar contributions to the cultural heritage of the world but to fill a void created by shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our city and in our schools.

The Alliance also serves as a resource to students, educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural institutions. The PMA has worked with Visit Philadelphia, Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Franklin Institute and others, as well as the University of the Arts, Drexel University, and Temple University.