During N.W.A.'s introduction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the group addressed KISS frontman Gene Simmons, who has predicted that rap will be dead in 10 years. (He also said that rock was already dead.)
“I want to say to Mr. Gene Simmons that Hip Hop is here forever,” MC Ren said. “We’re supposed to be here.”
Ice Cube also defended N.W.A.'s rock bona fides:
“The question is, ‘Are we rock ‘n’ roll?’ And I say — you goddamn right we rock ‘n’ roll. 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.”Simmons didn't like Ice Cube's answer:
Respectfully-- let me know when @JimiHendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame. Then youll have a point. @icecube https://t.co/BRuU8t5vYe
There has been talk of a Hip Hop Hall of Fame over the years. But as of now one doesn't exist.
Given that, does Simmons' latest comment have any merit?