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Tuesday, March 24, 2009 | 11:21am
BIG MISTAKE: Eminem To Induct Run DMC into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
A questionable choice at best but we’ve been here before.
At a ceremony slated for April 4 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Run-DMC will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame making the group only the second such Hip Hop act to be bestowed with that honor (Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five inducted in March 2007.) But today its not the inductees making headlines its the inductor.
According to Rockhall.com and numerous reports, Run DMC will be inducted into the hall by rapper, Eminem?! This very same topic caused headlines when Jay-Z inducted Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. In our exclusive first interview with Mele Mel days after the ceremony he revealed that the group wasn’t all together enthused by the selection nor warmed to tears by his remarks that he read from the screen of his blackberry (a change for the emcee who prides himself on not writing lyrics.)
Both the inductees as well as the presenters are chosen by 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation so honorees don’t necessarily have a say over who inducts them. The announcement, as it did 2 years ago begs the question how Run DMC feels about the selection.
Its an interesting choice given the crossover appeal Run DMC had very similar to that of Eminem. The Group was the first rap act to go platinum, get burn on MTV and as Mele Mel pointed out in his interview actually dress in everyday street gear as opposed to outlandishly flamboyant costumes that were previously popular. The group’s historic record, “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith allowed rap to finally intersect with mainstream music.
Though Eminem is unquestionably a talented emcee, I think its important for Hip Hop to be careful in overstating his importance (and at times understate it to Em’s detriment.) Hip Hop was a cultural movement founded in the rebellion of the minority in the 70′s and 80′s and it is frustrating at times to see privilaged kids from middle suburbia who misunderstand his importance to hip hop. Eminem’s popularity during the height of his career created a common misconception among some that he invented rap music. So its important that when using Eminem as a posterchild for the culture that we’re careful not to overshadow the historical detail under this fabricated vail of the “Great White Hope.”
And while Eminem has always credited Run DMC as a major influence there clearly are far more fitting presenters. First to mind would be Russell Simmon‘s whose own contributions to Hip Hop are well documented, not to mention he’s the brother of group member Rev. Run. Others include KRS-One whose cerebral approch to hip hop was inspired by Run DMC approach, Rahkim and even Eminem protege and fellow Queens native, 50 Cent. I’m sure the Highbrid Nation could come up with a hefty list of presenters.
Other details the ceremony in Run DMC’s honor have not been finalized although there is a rumor that Rev Run and DMC will perform for the first time since Jam Master Jay’s death in 2002. Since then, Rev Run has gone on to Television success with MTV’s “Run’s House” while DMC continues recording music and was recently featured in an Emmy winning documentary in which he searched for his biological mother.
FILED IN Editorials, Music, News
I seen that documentary, pretty embarassing. & the music that he’s “recording” now is absolutely atrocious, lol. & it seems like he has a few loose screws/missing marbles idk, did anyone else see it?
-B.
Yeah DMC has been on some real questionable ish since JMJ passed away. I haven’ seen the documentary but his virtual community he just launched speaks volumes about his mental capacity at this point. he just doesn’t get it.
I disagree with you about the choice of Eminem as the “inductor”. I think that it’s a great choice. Eminem represents the same crossover success that RUN DMC stood for back in the 80s. While we all would love to be inducted by our favorite rapper, but that’s not always our choice. GREAT POST though.
You don’t think in a world where hip hop has not always been welcome (the rock and roll hall of fame) we need to be careful with who we trot out there to rep us?
Nope. It’s all about benjamins. The R&R HoF is on point with their decision. Think about it…you induct Run DMC, bringing in the old school listeners and purists. Then you have them inducted by someone who’s got the ears/minds of suburban kids everywhere (i.e. current generation). It promotes controversy, which equates to free publicity…plus, they’re two huge acts. BAM!! Sold out show.
Besides, hip-hop ain’t going nowhere. Em ain’t hurting nothing. Who knows, you may even be pleasantly surprised by what the man says…
I don’t want you all to perceive what I’m saying as hate. Racist…perhaps lol but I like Em as an artist. I just think its unfortunate that he’s allowed white suburbia to personify hip hop with a white dude. The fact that he’s as talented as he is creates an interesting dilemma.
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My second gripe which I didn’t get into is I feel that the presenter should be HOF worthy. I think Em’s career has sputtered recently and he’s going to have to really hustle in his prime to make up for lost time. He’s not a HOFer yet. He’s talented but his music lacks staying power, doesn’t transcend time…YET.
No, Juan. You’re not a hater. In fact, you have a valid claim. It’s just that I see what they are doing in a different light. It’s not about what Em is doing now; neither is it for RUN DMC. It’s about what the two parties represent: a change from one trend in hip hop to the next.
.
We could have never imagined that Em would be received the way that he did. Not because of his skin color, but his lyrical content that defied traditional standards of hip hop. Most brothas wouldn’t rap about hatin’ their Momma before Em did. [In fact, not even DMX would do that, and that brotha is never beyond reproach].
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I just say that you should DO you and stand by your opinions, no matter who agrees with them. This is YOUR post, and you have graciously allowed us to DISagree without DISrespecting us. That’s something that I need to learn myself, when it comes to how I treat my visitors.
Juan…I actually felt you were bagging on him because of skin tone lol…but you do have a point. The HoF could have chosen someone BETTER (irregardless of race, gender, or nationality) to indoctrinate Run DMC. At least it’s not Vanilla Ice! HA!
Zack…You speak volumes and I agree with both of your posts 100%.
yeah its about $ but could have made many many more choices. Em is my man but he been quiet for like 3 years. any queens emcee would have done fine. not upset at em as inductor though. nice dish
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