Among all the things I don’t remember about 2002, I have a very clear memory of the first time I met 50 Cent. One of the first things I noticed when he walked into the room was his presence. He truly had the aura of a star – the way he carried himself, his style, everything. He seemed to have it all.

What was incredible to me was that his charisma and personality perfectly matched the intensity of his music. His first album was a masterpiece. When I first met 50, I was so excited that I started rapping all his songs to him, not letting him talk at all. I was trying to show how big of a fan I was, but I might have overdone it.

At that time, I considered myself driven until I met him. 50 was constantly releasing mixtapes; it seemed like every week there was a new mixtape. He would take other people’s beats and make them his own in an amazing way.

I knew the person sitting in front of me was different. He had something special that drew people in. Dre and I knew that if we felt that way, the rest of the world would too.

As we were leaving that meeting, Dre and I were talking, and 50 was walking away. Dre turned to me and said, “Do you think that limp is permanent? You should ask him.” We asked, and we were glad to know that the limp was not permanent.

Today, I stand here not only because he is a business partner, but also one of the best friends I have ever had. Being friends with 50 is much more fun than being his enemy. He never stops. Just as he is relentless in his battles, he is also relentless in his business. He is an artist, entrepreneur, actor, director, producer, and even a great Scrabble player. He does it all.

He has also helped me through many tough times in my life. He has always been there when I needed him. 50, congratulations on your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today, Hollywood officially recognizes what Dre and I have known all along. Thank you.