Gene Simmons, the 76-year-old Kiss bassist and singer, sparked widespread criticism on social media after questioning the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s decision to induct hip-hop artists.
During a recent appearance on the Legends N Leaders podcast, Simmons argued that rap and hip-hop fail to align with rock traditions. He stated that the genre does not “speak [his] language” and emphasized, “I don’t come from the ghetto.”
Social Media Outrage
Many online users labeled Simmons’ remarks as racist, particularly objecting to his use of the term “ghetto” in dismissing hip-hop’s place in the Cleveland, Ohio-based institution.
Key Points from Simmons
Simmons highlighted perceived inconsistencies in selections, noting, “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 referenced past exchanges with rapper Ice Cube, calling him “a bright guy” whose achievements he respects, but clarified, “It’s not my music.” Simmons maintained his long-held view: “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 to Ice Cube’s defense of hip-hop as embodying the “spirit of rock n’ roll,” Simmons retorted, “OK, fine … 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.”
Simmons further questioned inductees like Run-D.M.C. and Grandmaster Flash, saying, “You’ve got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? You’re killing me! That doesn’t mean those aren’t good artists. But they don’t play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing.” He added, “They can run their organization any way they’d like, but it ain’t rock!”
Counterarguments and Hall Defenses
Ice Cube, inducted alongside N.W.A., asserted in his acceptance speech, “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.” He continued, “Rock n’ roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life.”
Other hip-hop pioneers in the hall include LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Eminem. Following Eminem’s 2022 induction, Hall of Fame CEO Greg Harris defended the choice, 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.”
Notably, Kiss itself gained entry in 2014, despite Simmons’ ongoing critiques of the hall’s direction.
