*LL Cool J and Public Enemy were among a number of artists from Long Island who were inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Thursday night during a star-studded gala at the Garden City Hotel.
Recalling his Long Island roots, LL Cool J said: "When I was a little kid in North Babylon, on Lakeway Drive, just dreaming of being a part of hip hop - I never dreamed that I would be in a position to actually be looking at a wonderful room full of people who are actually honoring and celebrating the art that I created."
Chuck D of Public Enemy pointed out that L.I. united musicians of all types.
"That this music can sit side-by-side with other great offerings of music is a true pleasure," he said, later adding "Music is a universal language, and Long Island you are No. 1."
The diverse group of inductees included Marvin Hamlisch, Blue öyster Cult, Jean Ritchie, The Tokens, and The Ramones.