In a recent interview on the LegendsNLeaders podcast, Gene Simmons, the frontman of the iconic rock band KISS, shared his thoughts on why he believes hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Simmons expressed his strong opposition to the presence of hip-hop in the hall of fame, even going as far as to compare the success of hip-hop artists like Grandmaster Flash to that of legendary rock band Iron Maiden, who have yet to be inducted. He also mentioned a previous discussion he had with rapper Ice Cube about this topic, acknowledging his respect for Cube's work but stating that hip-hop is not his personal taste.
The musician continued to elaborate on his views, stating that he does not believe hip-hop fits into the category of rock music. He pointed out that opera, symphonies, and orchestras are also not included in the hall of fame, emphasizing that it is called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a reason.
Simmons also mentioned his conversation with Ice Cube, who argued that hip-hop embodies the rebellious spirit of rock. However, Simmons maintained his belief that there are clear distinctions between the two genres and questioned when a rock band like Led Zeppelin would be inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.
He went on to explain that music genres are labeled to describe their approach, and while hip-hop may have some elements of melody, it is primarily a spoken word art. Simmons believes that the complexity of combining music and lyrics sets rock apart from hip-hop.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has inducted several hip-hop artists over the years, including N.W.A, Eminem, Jay-Z, Outkast, and Missy Elliott. However, this inclusion of non-rock acts continues to spark debates among fans, with Simmons being one of the critics.
As a member of KISS, who were inducted into the hall of fame in 2014, Simmons has firsthand experience with the process and understands the significance of the honor. However, he firmly believes that the hall of fame should stay true to its name and focus on recognizing the contributions of rock music.
