The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is standing by its decision to induct Eminem, despite some debate over hip-hop’s place in the institution.
The rap legend is one of eight artists being honored in the 2022 Rock Hall Induction Class, alongside Dolly Parton, Duran Duran, Lionel Richie, Eurythmics, Carly Simon, Judas Priest, and Pat Benatar. Previous hip-hop inductees include LL Cool J and Jay-Z, who were part of the 2021 class.
Why Eminem Belongs in the Rock Hall
In an interview with Audacy, Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris defended Eminem’s inclusion and addressed hip-hop’s role in the Hall of Fame.
“For a lot of years, people asked about hip-hop,” Harris said. “He’s the 10th artist to be categorized that way.”
He explained that Eminem’s music is just as powerful and intense as traditional rock.
“You listen to his music, and it’s as hard-hitting and straight ahead as any metal song. It’s right there—it’s a chest punch with a message, power, rhythm, and a band. We’re thrilled he’s going in during his first year of eligibility. It’s a big statement.”
The 2022 Rock Hall Ceremony
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on November 5th at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater.
Country legend Dolly Parton initially declined her induction, believing the honor should go to a traditional rock artist. However, she later changed her mind after learning the Hall of Fame isn’t exclusive to rock musicians.
“I felt like I would be taking away from someone who deserved it more than me since I never considered myself a rock artist,” Parton explained. “But obviously, there’s more to it than that.”
With Eminem’s induction, the Rock Hall continues to embrace the evolution of music, recognizing artists who have made a lasting impact across all genres.
