The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees for this year were announced a few days ago, and the foundation's CEO, Greg Harris, recently spoke out about the people who will be receiving the big honor later this year.
Among the musicians he discussed was Eminem, who will be inducted into the Rock Hall despite having the hip hop genre, and Harris has the perfect explanation.
According to Audacy, the rapper is the only artist to be given the big honor in their first year of eligibility. The CEO clarified that he knows the musician's background is solely Hip Hop, but he revealed that there are similar qualities between him and other rock artists.
Harris noted that many fans have been asking for hip hop over the past years, and Eminem is the 10th artist to be recognized in that genre.
He revealed why he would be inducted into the Rock Hall despite being a rapper.
"If you listen to his music, it is as hard hitting and straight ahead as any metal song. It's a chest punch with a message and with a power and with a rhythm," he added.
Harris then spoke about the other inductees, including Judas Priest. Before making the big announcement, the CEO recalled a conversation with the band's frontman, Rob Halford.
The night before revealing the inductees, the lead vocalist told him that there were a lot of artists he looked up to as a kid; among them were Little Richard and Chuck Berry.
"We're thrilled they're in because there's people who say the same thing about Judas Priest," Harris added.
The CEO then brought up the topic of the controversy surrounding Dolly Parton, as she previously removed herself from the Rock Hall consideration but later accepted the honor.
Harris explained that the Rock Hall is a "much broader universe" as they cater not just to Rock music but also R&B and Country.
Among the previous inductees from other genres were Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, and Johnny Cash.
Regarding their decision to induct Parton, the CEO said they love her humility despite holding back at first; She later embraced the honor.
"It's been a great journey and a chance for us for the world to better understand what we're about," he added.
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