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Gene Simmons Reignites Debate Over Hip-Hop in the Rock Hall
Gene Simmons says rap doesn’t belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, adding, “I didn’t grow up in the ghetto.” The outspoken bassist of KISS has once again stirred controversy with his blunt views on who should — and shouldn’t — be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
During a recent appearance on the LegendsNLeaders podcast, Simmons doubled down on his long-standing belief that hip-hop artists do not belong in an institution dedicated, in his view, strictly to rock music. According to Simmons, genre boundaries matter — and blurring them weakens the meaning of the Hall itself.
“It Doesn’t Speak My Language”
While discussing how critics and formal institutions evaluate musical relevance, Simmons pointed to what he sees as inconsistencies within the Rock Hall’s selection process. He highlighted the absence of legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden, noting that the group continues to sell out massive stadiums worldwide.
At the same time, he referenced the induction of hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash as evidence that the Hall has strayed from its original purpose.
Simmons also recalled a past exchange with rapper and actor Ice Cube. While he expressed respect for Cube’s achievements and intellect, Simmons maintained that hip-hop simply isn’t his genre of choice. He emphasized that he doesn’t personally relate to the cultural roots of rap music and has repeatedly stated that hip-hop — along with genres like opera or symphonic music — should not be included in a hall specifically named for rock and roll.
The “Spirit of Rock” Argument
Ice Cube previously countered Simmons’ viewpoint by suggesting that rock and roll is more about attitude and rebellion than instrumentation alone. According to Cube, the essence of rock lies in challenging norms and carving new creative paths — qualities he believes hip-hop embodies.
That philosophy was echoed by Rock Hall leadership when Eminem was inducted in 2022. At the time, Hall officials defended the Detroit rapper’s inclusion, arguing that his music carries the same intensity, raw energy and cultural impact traditionally associated with hard rock and metal acts.
Cube made a similar case in 2016 when his groundbreaking group N.W.A was inducted. During his acceptance speech, he argued that rock and roll isn’t defined by a single instrument or sound, but by its rebellious spirit — a thread he traced from blues and jazz to heavy metal and hip-hop.
A Hall Divided
The debate over genre inclusion has grown louder as the Rock Hall continues to honor artists beyond traditional guitar-driven rock. Alongside N.W.A, hip-hop icons such as Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Missy Elliott have also been inducted.
Simmons’ comments underscore a broader cultural divide about how rock and roll should be defined in the modern era. Is it a sound built on electric guitars and drums, or a mindset rooted in disruption and innovation?
For now, the Hall appears committed to the latter interpretation. But as long as Simmons has a microphone, the conversation is far from over.
