The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2023 nominees. The class includes first-time nominees Missy Elliott, A Tribe Called Quest and Eminem. Other established names like Kate Bush and Rage Against the Machine have made the cut as well.
Rock and Roll showing its inclusivity
In addition to rap artists, the class features several pop superstars, including Sheryl Crow and Willie Nelson. Also on the list are grunge pioneers Soundgarden, the funk and soul vocal proponents The Spinners and garage blues legends The White Stripes.
This year’s class marks a bit of a shift
In order to be eligible, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording 25 years ago. This is a relatively new rule, and it’s why both Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking Supa Dupa Fly (1997) and The White Stripes’ first single (1998) mark them as eligible this year.
Other criteria
For the first time, the Rock Hall’s nominating committee will select performers to induct based solely on their musical impact and influence. Its members are 500 rock historians and music industry professionals, who evaluate each candidate’s musical impact, career longevity and superiority of style and technique.
The people have a voice
Fans can vote for their favorites through April 29. The top five artists will comprise a “fans’ ballot” that will be submitted to the committee along with other professional ballots. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will announce its inductees in May.
What do you think?
Does A Tribe Called Quest deserve to be in the rock and roll hall of fame? What about Missy Elliott? Is this good look in comparison to all of the award ceremonies that seem to be racially driven? Is this the best batch of nominees since LL Cool J’s induction? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
