by Justin McCallum 

The Bronx is rubbing elbows with Hollywood as Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced the 2014 inductees to the Walk of Fame at an official launch to Bronx Week, a ten-day promotional event showcasing the best of the Bronx.

At a news conference at Gun Hill Brewery, Diaz welcomed music producer and artist Swizz Beatz. He was joined byDavid Zayas, star of “Dexter,” who at one point served as an NYPD officer. The pair was two of the five inductees present at the May 5th event. They were part of what Diaz called an “extraordinary line-up” to be formally honored on Sunday May 18.

“Bronx Week is where we showcase the Borough’s rich history, its institutions, and cultural diversity,” Diaz said in a statement. “I can think of no better way to celebrate the best of our borough than by welcoming home these five individuals.”

Swizz Beats and Zayas are to be joined by New York Jets offensive lineman William ‘Willie’ Colon III, Tony-award winning Broadway veteran Priscilla Lopez, and star of the silver and small screen Rachel Ticotin. Zayas and Beatz took the mic to thunderous applause, and later enjoyed refreshments from borough eateries including Bronx Baking Co., sushi eatery Ceetay,  Coco Helado and Landin Macaroni & Chese.

Beatz, a South Bronx native, reminisced on his difficult childhood and the hard work that led to his successful career having worked with hip-hop and R&B titans including Jay Z, Beyonce and DMX.

“The sky is not the limit, it’s just a view, go beyond that vision and step out of that box people have put in,” said Beatz, speaking alongside the BP and a representative from Montefiore Medical Center, one of the lead sponsors to the mega venue.

The inductees join fellow Bronx celebrities including TV personality Regis Philbin, film visionary Stanley Kubrick, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and rapper Fat Joe who have been inducted to the Walk of Fame since its inception in 1971.

A full list of events can be found on here.