Gene Simmons Slams Rock Hall for Embracing Hip-Hop

KISS co-founder says rap 'doesn't belong' in rock's most exclusive club

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Gene Simmons, the co-founder of the band KISS, has reignited his feud with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, criticizing the organization for allowing hip-hop artists to be inducted. Simmons, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014, said that hip-hop 'doesn't speak his language' and 'doesn't belong' in the prestigious institution, along with other genres like opera and symphony orchestras.

Why it matters

Simmons' comments highlight the ongoing debate over the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's inclusion of non-traditional rock genres, such as hip-hop. As the music industry continues to evolve, the Hall of Fame has faced criticism for its perceived narrow definition of 'rock and roll', with some arguing that it should embrace a more diverse range of musical styles.

The details

In a recent interview on the 'LegendsNLeaders' podcast, Simmons expressed his disdain for the Hall of Fame's decision to induct hip-hop artists, stating that the genre 'doesn't speak his language' and that he 'doesn't come from the ghetto.' He also questioned why the New York Philharmonic hasn't been inducted, and criticized the Hall of Fame for not recognizing heavy metal band Iron Maiden while inducting hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.

  • Simmons was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with KISS in 2014.
  • In 2016, when gangsta rap group N.W.A. was inducted, MC Ren told Simmons that 'hip-hop is here forever - get used to it' during the group's acceptance speech.
  • Simmons reignited his feud with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in a recent interview on the 'LegendsNLeaders' podcast.

The players

Gene Simmons

The co-founder of the band KISS, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the band in 2014.

Ice Cube

A rapper who has had a back-and-forth with Simmons over the inclusion of hip-hop in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Grandmaster Flash

A hip-hop pioneer who has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Iron Maiden

A heavy metal band that Simmons believes should be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

MC Ren

A member of the gangsta rap group N.W.A., who responded to Simmons' criticism of hip-hop's inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during the group's induction ceremony in 2016.

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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. And as I said in print many times, hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras.”

— Gene Simmons, KISS Co-Founder (LegendsNLeaders Podcast)

“Hip-hop is here forever - get used to it.”

— MC Ren, Member of N.W.A. (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony)

The takeaway

Simmons' comments highlight the ongoing debate over the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's definition of 'rock and roll' and its inclusion of non-traditional rock genres like hip-hop. As the music industry continues to evolve, the Hall of Fame will likely face more scrutiny over its selection process and the genres it chooses to recognize.