Gene Simmons, the 76-year-old Kiss bassist and singer, draws sharp criticism on social media after questioning the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s inclusion of hip-hop artists.

Podcast Remarks Spark Outrage

During a recent appearance on the Legends N Leaders podcast, Simmons argues that rap and hip-hop fail to represent rock music. He states, “Rap and hip-hop don’t speak my language,” and adds, “I don’t come from the ghetto.”

Social media users label these comments racist, particularly the reference to ghettos, igniting widespread backlash.

Examples of Hall of Fame Disparities

Simmons highlights perceived inconsistencies, noting, “Iron Maiden is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they can sell out stadiums, and Grandmaster Flash is.” He extends his critique to artists like Run-D.M.C., exclaiming, “You’ve got Grandmaster Flash in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Run-D.M.C. in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? You’re killing me!”

He clarifies that while these artists excel in their genres, “they don’t play guitar. They sample and they talk. Not even sing.” Simmons insists, “Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera [or] symphony orchestras. It’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”

Exchange with Ice Cube

Simmons recalls a discussion with rapper Ice Cube, whom he calls “a bright guy” whose achievements he respects. Ice Cube reportedly countered by defining rock n’ roll as “the spirit of rock n’ roll.”

In response, Simmons quips, “OK, fine … I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s gonna be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame.” He emphasizes, “Music has labels, because it describes an approach.”

Ice Cube’s Defense of Hip-Hop

Ice Cube, inducted with N.W.A., asserts in his acceptance speech, “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.”

He adds, “Rock n’ roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life.”

Broader Context and Precedents

Other hip-hop pioneers in the Hall include LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, and Eminem. Following Eminem’s 2022 induction, Hall CEO Greg Harris defends the choice, stating, “You listen to his music, it is as hard hitting and straight ahead as any metal song … It’s a chest punch with a message and with a power and with a rhythm and with a band.”

Kiss itself entered the Hall in 2014, despite Simmons’ ongoing objections to non-rock genres.