JAKARTA - Kiss vocalist and bassist Gene Simmons has once again sparked controversy with his sharp statement regarding the direction of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In a discussion on the LegendsNLeaders podcast, the 76-year-old musician confirmed his disapproval of the induction of hip-hop musicians into an award show that should be dedicated to rock music.
This difference of opinion is actually not new for Simmons. He had a debate with rapper Ice Cube regarding the definition of a music genre.
According to Simmons, music is about classification and a clear approach, so mixing hip-hop into the rock realm is considered an inappropriate step and does not match the roots of the musical culture he has been involved in for decades.
"Ice Cube and I had an argument - he's a smart guy and I respect what he's done. But it's not my music. I'm not from the ghetto. It doesn't speak my language," said Simmons.
"I've said it many times in the media: Hip-hop doesn't deserve to be in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, just like opera or a symphony orchestra," he continued. "It's called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame."
Simmons' disappointment was further compounded when comparing the popularity and influence of rock bands with the formal recognition of the organizers. He questioned the institution's logic which seemed to blur the boundaries of genres.
Simmons even made a rhetorical dig about when the legendary rock band would get similar treatment in other musical spheres. "He (Ice Cube) replied and said, 'No, this is the spirit of rock n' roll.' Okay, fine. I just want to know when Led Zeppelin will enter the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Music has labels because the labels describe an approach. "
Although Kiss have been on the Rock Hall's list since 2014, Simmons' unease reflects a long-running debate in the global music industry.
On the other hand, Rock Hall CEO Greg Harris had previously defended the inclusion of rappers like Eminem by saying that the intensity of hip-hop music has the same power as metal music.
But for Simmons, the limitation of genre is an absolute thing that maintains the identity of the history of music itself.
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