Legendary KISS rocker Gene Simmons found himself rocking and rolling right back to the top of headlines for reiterating his controversial belief about who deserves space in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Barely three months after Rap groups Salt-n-Pepa and OutKast made history for their inductions via the 2025 class, Simmons doubled down on his previously shared view that Hip-Hop artists should be excluded from consideration for the coveted spots.

Recently a guest on ‘LegendsNLeaders,’ Gene didn’t exactly mince words while explaining his view on the Rock Hall.

“The fact that, for instance, Iron Maiden is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they can sell out stadiums, and Grandmaster Flash is,” he started before revisiting a previous umbrage with the organization.

KISS, the legendary Rock group that brought Simmons to fame, was inducted into the Rock Hall in 2014 – 40 years after their 1974 debut album.

Before and after they were introduced to the Hall of Fame’s roster, Hip-Hop acts like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (2007), Public Enemy (2013), N.W.A. (2016), 2Pac (2017), LL Cool J and JAY-Z (2021), Eminem (2022), Missy Elliott (2023), and more giants of the genre were welcomed – much to the chagrin of Gene.

And though he originally made his case primarily against Rap, he later generalized his grievance to include other forms of music.

“Ice Cube and I had a back and forth — he’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done,” Simmons shared. “It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language. I said in print many times: Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras … it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”

When challenged about if the term “Rock and Roll” refers to the actual genre or music in general, Gene offered a simple rebuttal.

“But [Ice] shot back and said, ‘No, it’s the spirit of rock n’ roll,’” the legendary bassist added. “OK, fine … I just want to know when Led Zeppelin’s gonna be in the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. Music has labels, because it describes an approach.”

Not only spurring backlash for what some argue is racially charged commentary, Simmons’ statement also ignited debate on who and what truly belongs in the Rock Hall.

At writing, however, reps from the organization have not responded to the KISS star’s latest criticism.

[photo source: Getty Images]

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