Gene Simmons Shares His Views on Rap in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Gene Simmons Critiques Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Inclusion of Hip-Hop Artists

Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist of KISS, has made headlines with his steadfast views on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In a recent podcast appearance, the musician expressed his belief that hip-hop artists should not be inducted into the prestigious institution, stating that the genre “doesn’t speak [his] language.”

During his guest spot on LegendsNLeaders, Simmons criticized the ability of critics and music institutions to judge an artist’s significance. He referenced the absence of Iron Maiden from the Hall of Fame despite their ability to sell out stadiums, juxtaposing this with Grandmaster Flash’s induction. "The fact that, for instance, Iron Maiden is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they can sell out stadiums, and Grandmaster Flash is," he remarked.

Simmons further elaborated on his perspective by recalling a conversation with rapper Ice Cube. "Ice Cube and I had a back and forth — he’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done," he noted. "It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language. I said in print many times: Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras … it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."

In response, Simmons shared Ice Cube’s argument that hip-hop embodies the "spirit of rock n’ roll." To this, Simmons dryly inquired, "I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s gonna be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Music has labels, because it describes an approach."

Billboard has sought a response from the Rock Hall regarding Simmons’ comments.

KISS was inducted into the Rock Hall in 2014, just two years before Ice Cube and his pioneering group N.W.A. were also honored. Other hip-hop luminaries, including Jay-Z, LL Cool J, and Missy Elliott, have since followed in their footsteps.

In 2022, when Eminem was inducted, Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris defended the inclusion of hip-hop, stating, “You listen to his music, it is as hard hitting and straight ahead as any metal song … It’s a chest punch with a message and with a power and with a rhythm and with a band.”

Ice Cube has long advocated for hip-hop’s recognition within the Rock Hall. During N.W.A’s induction ceremony a decade ago, he articulated, “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. Rock n’ roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life. That is rock n’ roll and that is us.”

For those interested in hearing more from Gene Simmons, the full interview is available on LegendsNLeaders.