The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been heavily criticized over the years for including artists who don't fit into the rock genre. This year, the debate intensified with the nomination of singer Dolly Parton to the Hall of Fame, who even asked to be disregarded.
Among the artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year is rapper Eminem. The news has generated considerable discussion and was one of the topics in an interview CEO Greg Harris gave to Audacy.com , in which he stated that "his music has as strong an impact as metal."
Harris highlighted that Eminem is one of the most influential musicians of the last few decades, and now joins several other hip-hop artists in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, including Jay-Z and LL Cool J. “For many years people have questioned hip hop. He’s the thousandth artist to be categorized that way. But you listen to his music, it has the same impact as any metal song,” Harris stated.
He added: “It’s a punch to the gut with a message, with power, with rhythm and with a band. We’re thrilled that he’s in his first year of eligibility, it’s a big statement.”
The names to be inducted this year are: Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, and Carly Simon . Judas Priest Musical Excellence Award which is given to artists, musicians, composers, and producers whose originality and influence in their musical creation have had a major impact on the artistic landscape.
The ceremony to introduce the new names for 2022 will take place on November 5th at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, United States.