Run-D.M.C. became the second hip-hop act ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. World-renowned Detroit MC, Eminem, took the stage to induct them (despite the protests of many fans who felt there were a host of other notables more suited for the occasion). The erstwhile Slim Shady gave a fitting tribute to the Kings from Queens, decked out in vintage Run-D.M.C. black fedora and lace-less adidas. But Eminem didn’t take the time to speak to the media about the legendary trio — not beforehand, during the show’s red carpet, or afterwards in the pressroom.
That disturbing behavior echoes a similar snub from Jay-Z two years prior. In 2007, Hov was on hand to pay respects to hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five. The rapper-entrepreneur spoke about what Flash and the Five meant to him and to hip-hop, but didn’t take the time to speak to reporters before or after about the newly inducted crew. These MCs may come out to the Hall of Fame as fans happily inducting their childhood idols, or they could be crass opportunists showing up because it’s the ‘right thing to do.’
If rappers are being inducted into the Hall, and rappers are coming out to pay their ‘respects,’ then that show of support should be more than just lip service. Part of that show means taking the time to speak to the press about the significance of the legends that inspired them. Fans who miss the awards show rely on media reports for news of what took place, so to have acts as significant as the Furious Five and as legendary as Run-D.M.C. get slighted by two of the biggest rap stars of the past decade is insulting.
To put things in perspective, if musical icons who have been among the best-selling and most revered acts of all-time — like the Rolling Stones and Madonna, can take the time to share a few words about the experience — why can’t a guy like Eminem — who by the way hasn’t released any new material in six years — do likewise? Maybe we all should keep this in mind when Jigga drops The Blueprint3 and as Marshall Mathers releases Relapse later this year, that no one — in this era or any other— is bigger than hip-hop. –todd williams
