ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME MARKED ITS’ MOST DIVERSE GROUP OF INDUCTEES INCLUDING JAY-Z
The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was one to remember. The ceremony kicked off at the famed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. We saw numerous surprise appearances, including Dave Chappelle, Eminem, and Jennifer Lopez, along with stunning performances from Taylor Swift, LL Cool J, Jennifer Hudson, and more! The induction marked a grand return to the in-person ceremonies. However, some still accepted their awards virtually, including Tina Turner.
This year marked the most diverse group of inductees. The historical occasion included 13 acts entering the halls, about double the number in a standard class, hip-hop luminaries Jay-Z and LL Cool J.
“It’s a diverse group of extremely talented artists, all who have had a significant impact on our sonic landscape,” Harris said of the inductees.
Rapper Jay-Z’s induction included featured tributes by former President Barack Obama and comedian Dave Chappelle. Artists can only be nominated for induction once their first record has turned 25 years old and Hov’s debut album Reasonable Doubt was released in 1996, making him eligible for induction this year.
The billionaire’s introduction video included words of encouragement from Rihanna, DJ Khaled, and others. The induction makes Jay-Z one of the few solo rappers included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside artists like the Notorious BIG, Tupac, and now 2021 inductee LL Cool J.
After six nominations, LL Cool finally received his flowers taking home his Awards for Musical Excellence. He showed love to “all of the people who voted for LL to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame year after year. … I wasn’t thinking about the people who voted against me. I was thinking about the people who voted for me. It was love — ‘Wow, there’s some people over there who won’t take no for an answer. This is a guy who deserves to be in there, and we gotta keep fighting to get him in there!'” He finished by declaring, “Hall of Fame, know my name!”
“This diverse class of talented inductees reflects the Hall’s ongoing commitment to honor artists whose music created the sound of youth culture,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a press statement. “It will make for an unforgettable live celebration of music in October at this year’s Induction Ceremony in Cleveland.”
In addition, the Queen of Rock’ n Roll Tina Turner made her way into the Rock Hall. Turner shared to social media, “I am absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame amongst such amazing artists! Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years! Love, Tina.”
I am absolutely thrilled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame amongst such amazing artists! Thank you for all your continued love and support over the years! Love, Tina ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5IY9WQPsv7
— TinaTurner (@LoveTinaTurner) May 12, 2021
