Gene Simmons Defends Criticism of Rap in Rock Hall of Fame

Kiss co-founder says rap "does not belong" alongside rock music

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the co-founder of the band Kiss, has doubled down on his criticism of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inclusion of hip-hop artists. In a recent podcast interview, Simmons argued that rap "does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame" because it is a "spoken-word art" rather than rock music. He also claimed that he "doesn't come from the ghetto" and that rap "doesn't speak [his] language."

Why it matters

Simmons' comments have sparked backlash, with critics accusing him of being insensitive and dismissive of the cultural significance of hip-hop. The debate over the Rock Hall's inclusion of non-rock genres has been ongoing, with artists like Ice Cube arguing that rap embodies the "spirit" of rock and roll.

The details

Simmons, who was inducted into the Rock Hall in 2014, has long been a vocal critic of the inclusion of hip-hop artists. He has also stirred up old band drama, recently claiming that former Kiss drummer Peter Criss "had nothing to do" with writing the band's ballad "Beth." Criss has disputed Simmons' account, calling his remarks "ridiculous and very uncalled for."

  • Simmons made the comments in a recent appearance on the LegendsNLeaders podcast.

The players

Gene Simmons

The co-founder and bassist of the rock band Kiss, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ice Cube

A rapper and actor who has pushed back against Simmons' criticism of hip-hop's inclusion in the Rock Hall, arguing that the genre embodies the "spirit" of rock and roll.

Peter Criss

The former drummer of Kiss, who has disputed Simmons' claims about the origin of the band's ballad "Beth."

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What they’re saying

“It's not my music. I don't come from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language.”

— Gene Simmons, Kiss co-founder (Rolling Stone)

“He talks about things that he doesn't know about.”

— Peter Criss, Former Kiss drummer (Billboard)

The takeaway

Simmons' comments highlight the ongoing debate over the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inclusion of non-rock genres like hip-hop, with critics accusing him of being insensitive and dismissive of the cultural significance of these musical forms. The controversy also sheds light on the tensions within the Kiss camp, as Simmons' claims about the origin of the band's hit song "Beth" have been disputed by former member Peter Criss.