The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2017 inductee class. Among the first time nominees is deceased rap icon Tupac Shakur. Pac becomes the sixth hip hop legend to be inducted, joining the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run D.M.C., the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and NWA. The latter being inducted last year. Pac’s fellow inductees include: Pearl Jam, Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, and Yes. The induction ceremony will be held on April 7th, 2017, at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been more open of late to allowing non traditional “rock” acts. The induction of Pac along with the previous inductions of NWA and Public Enemy signify a shift.
Music has a way of speaking to people across different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicities. It is the soundtrack to our lives. Maybe there is a way to make the Hall of Fame fully open and inclusive to all types of music and genres.
