Gene Simmons Says Hip-Hop Doesn’t Fit In Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Over the years, KISS rocker Gene Simmons has made his thoughts clear about hip-hop, especially its place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He reaffirmed his belief and shared his thoughts in a podcast appearance, reigniting discussion among fans.

On February 7, the 76-year-old KISS bassist was a guest on the podcast “Legends N Leaders,” and while conversing with host Ben Weiss, he reiterated his long-standing view on hip-hop’s place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Simmons said, “It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language,” adding that he’s shared his opinion many times before and still believes “hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras…”

“How come the New York Philharmonic doesn’t get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Because it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” the rocker added.

In an interview with Rolling Stone back in 2016, Simmons shared his disdain for rap, telling the outlet, “I am looking forward to the death of rap,” which he said is “just talking.”

“A song, as far as I’m concerned, is by definition lyric and melody… or just melody,” he added.

That same year, hip-hop group N.W.A. was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, per Billboard. During their speech, MC Ren took the time to address Simmons and said, “I want to say to Mr. Gene Simmons that hip-hop is here forever. We’re supposed to be here.”

Rapper and actor Ice Cube was also in attendance and, in his speech, stated that hip-hop is rock ‘n’ roll:

“Rock ‘n’ roll is not an instrument. It’s not even a style of music. It’s a spirit that’s been going on since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, heavy metal, punk rock, and yes, hip-hop.”

Simmons mentioned in the podcast that he and Ice Cube had gone “back and forth” on the issue, each of them expressing their opinion on why hip-hop should or shouldn’t be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

“He’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done… He shot back that it’s the ‘spirit’ of rock and roll… So Ice Cube and Grandmaster Flash and all these guys are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” the KISS member said. He then rhetorically asked when English rock band Led Zeppelin was going to be included in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.

The Hip-Hop Hall of Fame was founded in 1992 as a non-profit organization for preserving hip-hop culture.

“Music has labels because it describes an approach. Hip-hop and rap is a spoken word art. There are some melodies but, by and large, it’s a verbal thing,” Simmons explained.

In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was the first hip-hop group inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The group is considered one of the pioneers of hip-hop music, using innovative techniques and fusing hip-hop with deejaying.

“Grandmaster and the Furious Five were innovators. Sonically, their new techniques and equipment expanded the sound of hip-hop. Lyrically, their masterpiece ‘The Message’ exposed the dirty underside of a landscape known for partying–and no one saw it coming,” reads a blurb from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Other hip-hop artists who have since been inducted include Jay-Z, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., 2 Pac, Beastie Boys, and Run DMC.

Simmons’ comments made the rounds on social media, and many posted their opinion about what the rocker said.

“I love both genres. I listen to rap more than rock n roll these days. He’s totally right though. It is a bit weird,” one shared. “Gene is correct! Rap and hip-hop aren’t even music, they’re just chants with a beat,” another added. “I don’t like Simmons, but in this case he is 100% right,” a user wrote.

A user, on the other hand, disagreed, saying, “Ice Cube is right. Hip Hop became the new Rock N Roll over 40+ years ago.” Another commented, “Rap has more of a worldwide impact than any other genre of music. Not to mention Black people created Rock & Roll so yes, rappers should be included.”

Many also pointed out that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should just be renamed to the Music Hall of Fame as a way to settle the debate.