Gene Simmons Defends Use of 'Ghetto' Term in Hip-Hop Debate

KISS rocker argues hip-hop doesn't belong in Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the KISS rocker inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015, recently made headlines for sharing his opinion that hip-hop artists should not be inducted into the Rock Hall. Simmons caught some backlash for using the word 'ghetto' in his comments, but he is now defending his use of the term and doubling down on his stance about hip-hop not belonging in the Rock Hall.

Why it matters

Simmons' comments have sparked a debate about the definition and connotations of the word 'ghetto,' as well as the criteria for induction into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a prominent music industry figure, Simmons' views carry weight and influence the ongoing conversation around the evolution and boundaries of rock music.

The details

In an interview with the Legends N Leaders podcast, Simmons said 'hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras' because 'it's called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.' After facing backlash for using the word 'ghetto,' Simmons defended himself, arguing that the term originated with Jews and was later adopted by African Americans 'respectfully, not in a bad way.' Simmons also stated that 'rock 'n' roll owes everything to Black music' and is 'just a different Black music than hip-hop, which is also Black music.'

  • Simmons made the comments in a recent interview with the Legends N Leaders podcast.

The players

Gene Simmons

The KISS rocker who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

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What they’re saying

“Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras. How come the New York Philharmonic doesn't get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Because it's called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”

— Gene Simmons, KISS Rocker (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 Rocker (People)

The takeaway

Simmons' comments highlight the ongoing debate around the definition and use of the term 'ghetto,' as well as the criteria for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His views, as a prominent music industry figure, will likely continue to influence the conversation around the evolution and boundaries of rock music.