KISS' Gene Simmons Sparks Debate Over Rock Hall Eligibility

Bassist says rap music doesn't 'belong' in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the bassist for the iconic rock band KISS, has reignited a long-standing debate over who should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Simmons stated that rap music does not 'belong' in the Rock Hall and added that he 'doesn't come from the ghetto', comments that quickly sparked backlash online. The Rock Hall has inducted numerous hip-hop artists over the years, fueling an ongoing discussion about whether the institution should represent rock music exclusively or the broader evolution of popular music.

Why it matters

Simmons' comments touch on the larger debate around the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's eligibility criteria and whether it should expand beyond traditional rock music to recognize the contributions of other genres like hip-hop that have significantly influenced popular culture. This debate speaks to broader questions of inclusivity and representation within the music industry's most prestigious institutions.

The details

In a recent interview, Gene Simmons, the co-founder and bassist of the legendary rock band KISS, made controversial remarks about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's induction policies. Simmons stated that rap music does not 'belong' in the Rock Hall, and also asserted that he 'doesn't come from the ghetto', comments that quickly drew backlash on social media. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has inducted numerous hip-hop artists over the years, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC, Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G., among others, sparking an ongoing debate about the institution's criteria and whether it should focus solely on rock music or recognize the broader evolution of popular music.

  • Gene Simmons made the controversial comments in a recent interview.

The players

Gene Simmons

The co-founder and bassist of the iconic rock band KISS.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The prestigious music institution that honors artists and their contributions to rock and roll and popular music.

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What they’re saying

“I don't come from the ghetto. I come from Israel. I'm a rich Jew.”

— Gene Simmons (WABC Radio)

The takeaway

Simmons' comments have reignited the longstanding debate over the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's eligibility criteria and whether the institution should recognize the broader evolution of popular music beyond traditional rock. This discussion speaks to larger questions of inclusivity and representation within the music industry's most prestigious institutions.