Jay-Z, Tina Turner, and LL Cool J are among the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of fame inductees.
Jay-Z is easily considered by many as one of the greatest rappers, dead or alive. The New York rapper, CEO and music mogul holds 22 Grammy Awards and became the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017. His impact and inspiration extends beyond music into fashion, Tidal streaming services, sports ownership and his efforts to reform criminal justice.
This marks Tina's second time being inducted into the Hall of Fame, after previously being inducted in 1991, as part of the duo, Ike and Tina Turner. In her solo career, the Rock & Roll queen empowered fans with her hits from her 1984 five-time platinum debut, Private Dancer, and anthems such as her multi-Grammy-winning single, "What's Love Got to Do With It."
For creating an impact on music with his "originality and influence," LL Cool J will be honored with the Musical Excellence Award.
LL was one of the first rappers to top the R&B charts with his 1987 single, "I Need Love," followed by his other popular radio hits such as "Around the Way Girl," "Hey Lover," "Doin' It," and "Mama Said Knock You Out." With influence from Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and RUN-DMC, the two-time Grammy winner leveraged his music career into movies, film, television and more.
Artists who were nominated this year but were not chosen for induction include Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Fela Kuti, Dionne Warwick and Rage Against the Machine.
The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place October 30 in Cleveland. Tickets go on sale in July.