Gene Simmons Defends Use of 'Ghetto' Term in Argument Against Hip-Hop in Rock Hall

The KISS co-founder faced backlash for his comments about hip-hop artists not belonging in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, recently made headlines for sharing his opinion that hip-hop artists should not be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Simmons faced backlash for using the term 'ghetto' in his comments, which some deemed as racist. The musician has now defended his use of the word, arguing that it originated with the Jewish community and was later adopted by the African American community.

Why it matters

Simmons' comments have sparked a broader discussion about the inclusion of diverse musical genres in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which has traditionally been dominated by rock and roll acts. The debate highlights the ongoing tensions between different music communities and the challenges of defining the boundaries of the 'rock and roll' genre.

The details

In an interview with the Legends N Leaders podcast, Simmons stated that hip-hop 'does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame' and that he 'doesn't come from the ghetto' and the genre 'doesn't speak his language.' After facing criticism for his use of the term 'ghetto,' Simmons defended himself, arguing that the word originated with the Jewish community and was later adopted by the African American community, and that it was not used in a derogatory manner. Simmons also emphasized that rock and roll owes its roots to Black music, but that hip-hop is a 'different Black music' that does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

  • Simmons made the comments in an interview with the Legends N Leaders podcast on February 12, 2026.

The players

Gene Simmons

The co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

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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 (Legends N Leaders podcast)

“Ghetto is a Jewish term[.] … How could you be, when rock is Black music? It's just a different Black music than hip-hop, which is also Black music.”

— Gene Simmons, KISS co-founder (People)

The takeaway

Simmons' comments have reignited the ongoing debate about the boundaries of the 'rock and roll' genre and the inclusion of diverse musical styles in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The controversy highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the complex history and evolution of American music, as well as the importance of fostering a more inclusive and representative approach to recognizing and celebrating musical achievements.