Rap music has definitely been one, if not the most popular music genres in the last two decades. Since taking over from rock ‘n’ roll in the late 80s, rap has dominated music in terms of sales and popularity, proving how influential Black people are over popular culture. Now two of raps pioneers will potentially be recognized for their accomplishments. N.W.A. and LL Cool J have been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As reported by vibe.com:
“Our fingers are crossed that N.W.A. and LL Cool J will be the next ones inducted into the 2014 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The two hip hop acts are two of 16 Hall of Fame nominees. Other rock bands include Nirvana, Peter Gabriel, Link Wray, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Deep Purple and the Zombies.
“This will be the second nomination for N.W.A., as last year’s nod yielded no placements onboard. The 29th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in New York next April and will be broadcasted on HBO.”
Both LL Cool J and N.W.A. were instrumental in bringing rap music into the forefront of American pop culture from two different perspectives. LL was a part of the Def Jam Music movement that also included Run DMC, and can be attributed for popularizing rap in the 80s and also fusing it with rock ‘n’ roll. N.W.A. on the other hand, was one of the first groups, for better or worse, to popularize gangsta rap and cast a spotlight on the ills in the black community.
Hopefully the Hall does the right thing and inducts both of these commendable acts for their contribution to music and pop culture.
