With his recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which will probably be broadcast on HBO ad infinitum the next few weeks), Tupac Shakur is the embodiment of what the Hall looks for when inducting a hip-hop artist: someone who breaks with convention, bringing a sense of rebellion in their lyrics (Public Enemy), has had crossover success (Beastie Boys) and is an innovator (Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five).
But who will be next from the rap world to walk among the music immortals? Or at least, who deserves to be inducted?
Here’s five hip-hop acts currently eligible for induction that should get a nod.
- Ice-T
Before N.W.A., it was the “Original Gangsta” vividly depicting the perils and predictaments of growing up black, while also showing that the street life can be quite sweet, too. That’s not all: He practically invented rap-rock with Body Count, too.
2. De La Soul
To say rap was stuck in a rut before “3 Feet High & Rising” came along is a major understatement. De La—Posdnuous, Trugoy and P.A. Pasemaster Mase, along with producer Prince Paul—turned the game on its ears, bringing an alternative bent to the genre.
3. LL Cool J
There was a time when the rap game ran through Mr. Smith. Declaring that no rapper could rap quite like he could, LL was the epitome of braggadocio, bringing a fury few have ever been able to match. He could also smooth it out when he needed to (i.e. “I Need Love”).
4. Eric B. and Rakim
OK, “cat” rhymes with “hat,” but why not throw in “diplomat” for good measure? That’s the approach Rakim Allah took with rhyming, forcing everyone that’s called themselves an emcee to push the envelope, too. Throw in the scratching wizardry performed by Eric B. and the result was an untouchable duo.
5. MC Lyte
If you were to compare Lyte to anyone in music, you’d have to look outside of the rap world. Her peers should be Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde or the Wilson sisters of Heart: Women that transcend gender in their respective fields and are just recognized as amazing artists. Her flow and knack for storytelling place her among the upper echelon of the all-time greats.
