*A debate over genre boundaries is unfolding after Gene Simmons questioned whether hip-hop should be recognized by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and rapper Chuck D offered his own perspective in response.
During an appearance on the Legends N Leaders podcast, Simmons argued that rap does not belong alongside traditional rock acts in the institution. “It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language. And as I said in print many times, hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras,” he said, per PEOPLE.
The KISS bassist also questioned the Hall’s selections, pointing to heavy metal band Iron Maiden not being inducted while artists such as Grandmaster Flash have been recognized. Referencing a past exchange with Ice Cube, Simmons said, “I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s going to be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.”
Expanding on his reasoning, Simmons added, “Music has labels because it describes an approach. By and large, rap, hip-hop is a spoken-word art. Then you put beats in back of it and somebody comes up with a musical phrase, but it’s verbal. There are some melodies, but by and large, it’s a verbal thing.”
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Chuck D responded publicly, offering a different interpretation of rock’s evolution. “Gene definitely has his opinion and it carries major weight… however it is The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame … not considering it ‘ROCK’ may hold a debatable point but clearly RAP and some other genres of movement are the ‘ROLL.’ ” He continued, “Rock and Roll clearly splintered all over the place in the 1960s and big-banged ever since.”
After backlash over his remarks, Simmons spoke to PEOPLE, reiterating, “I stand by my words.” Addressing criticism tied to his use of the word “ghetto,” he said, “Let’s cut to the chase. The word ‘ghetto,’ it originated with Jews. It was borrowed by African Americans in particular and respectfully, not in a bad way.”
When asked about racial implications, Simmons responded, “Ghetto is a Jewish term … How could you be, when rock is Black music? It’s just a different Black music than hip-hop, which is also Black music.” He further emphasized, “Rock ‘n’ roll owes everything to Black music, statement of fact, period. All the major forms of American music owe their roots to Black music.”
Simmons maintained that disagreement does not preclude mutual respect, stating, “You can agree to disagree and still respect and admire each other. That’s fine,” and adding, “I have a sense of humor, and you don’t have to agree with my opinion, but I stand by my words. That’s what I believe.”
Check out what Chuck D had to say about Gene’s remarks in the clip below.
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