Gene Simmons Blasts Rock Hall Of Fame For Including Rap Artists...

Gene Simmons has once again criticized the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for inducting hip-hop artists. Speaking on the ‘LegendsNLeaders’ podcast, the KISS bassist argued that "hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame." "I don't come from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language," Simmons said, jokingly comparing hip-hop's inclusion to inducting opera music or symphony orchestras. Simmons referenced a debate he had with rapper Ice Cube, who argued that hip-hop shares rock's "spirit." Simmons countered Ice Cube’s sentiment by sarcastically asking, "I just want to know when Led Zeppelin's going to be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame?" "By and large, rap, hip-hop is a spoken-word art," Simmons explained, describing it as primarily “verbal” rather than melody-driven like rock music. KISS entered the Hall of Fame in 2014, while Ice Cube's hip-hop group NWA was inducted in 2016, alongside other rap legends including Jay-Z and Eminem.