Hall of Fame

       This past weekend, a few great musical superstars were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame including Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and Cher. Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B is one of my favorites of all time. When you think about her 30+ year career and the transformations she made personally and professionally. It’s a beautiful story and she deserves the honor.

       In taking a look back at all the artists inducted. There has been artists of different genres. All artists must have at least 25 years after the release of their first record to qualify for a nomination. There has been artists from different genres over the years. In its earliest days, there were many Black Artists who were inducted. These are people who were artists during a time when they had limited civil rights. Alan Freed, Dewey Phillips, and William ‘Hoss’ Allen, were white radio DJs who had a role in breaking the color line in music. They coined the term ‘Rock and Roll’ in the 1950’s to bring Black music to stations across the world. This music mixed R&B, Soul, and the Blues. Then, in the 1960’s, artists under the genre of “Rock” were included under this title. Now, the ceremony labels, Hip-Hop and R&B as a qualifier.

      I am someone who enjoys all genres of music, but Hip Hop and R&B is my favorite. Hip Hop is the most influential music genre after celebrating 50 years. R&B/Soul/Funk of the 70s, 80s and 90s is at an all-time high as well. In the last couple of years, many of these artists have been touring to great crowds. So, I decided I wanted to make my own list of artists who qualify. Ones who I think should be in the Hall of Fame by now. They are notorious and have a great influence on the music world thus far.

1. Mariah Carey: a songwriter and singer who dominated the 90’s with her music.
2. Barry White: a singer whose voice is very distinct amongst other singers. Plus, his songs still live today over 20 years after his death and has been in featured in many movies over the years.
3. Nas: His songs have a lasting impact on many in the Hip Hop community. He takes you through the many stages of life one goes through. I feel he is underrated as a musical artist.
4. Snoop Dogg: A face known all over the world. A man whose music transformed for the better over his 30+ years in the entertainment industry.
5. Usher: He has 30 years since his self-titled album and he continues to put out new music today. Plus, he still has the sex appeal he had as a young man.
6. Patti LaBelle: a lengendary diva who started with a group and went on to have a successful solo career in the 80s and 90s. She too has transformed over the years into different avenues but she still continues to perform to large crowds.
7. New Edition: They are another favorite of mine. The first CD I owned was their 1996 release.
8. Frankie Beverly and Maze: They are an example of R&B/Soul at it’s finest. With a lifetime of music played at family functions and remade by artists today.
9. The Gap Band: a band that included three brother’s, there songs blended R&B/ Soul with funk.
10. The Commodores: if you heard of songs like “Easy” and “Three Times A Lady,” then you know many others know them because you still hear them until this day.

     So, look into your favorite genre of music and/or favorite artists, who would you like to see in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

*You can watch the full 2024 ceremony on Hulu