The self-proclaimed “greatest hip-hop artist alive” was inducted Saturday night into the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class, which also included Tina Turner and Foo Fighters.
Jay-Z was once a drug dealer in Brooklyn, New York. He rose to fame through rap music with straight-forward lyrics that often depicted the struggles of Black Americans.
His songs include “Hard Knock Life”, “99 Problems” or “Empire State of Mind,” as well as 14 No. There are 1 albums.
After a video introduction featuring President Barack Obama, LeBron Jam and David Letterman was completed, Jay-Z was inducted into the Comedy Hall of Fame by Dave Chappelle. He praised Jay-Z for being an inspiration.
Chappelle stated, “He rhymed with a recipe to survive.” “He is a symbol of what our lives could be and what success looks like.”
Paul McCartney welcomed Foo Fighters to his stage. They have been regarded as one of the most popular arena rock acts. The band started out as a side project for Dave Grohl (who was inducted into the Nirvana drum liner’s club).
McCartney described the similarities between Grohl and him as they were both part of hugely popular bands that broke up.
McCartney laughed, “Do you think that guy is following me?”
McCartney and Foo Fighters closed the show with “Get Back” by the Beatles.
LL Cool J, keyboardist Billy Preston, and guitarist Randy Rhoads were all inducted for their musical excellence.
As early influencers, electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, Gil Scott-Heron, and Delta blues legend Charley Patton were recognized. Clarence Avant, founder of Sussex Records was awarded the Ahmet Ertegun award.
Cool J enlisted the help of some of his musical heavyweights to bring him to rock stardom. Eminem and Jennifer Lopez joined Cool J on stage to give a career-spanning performance.
Cool J is still a popular artist, more than 40 years after his first lyrics were spit.
In his speech to inductee Dr. Dre, Dr. Dre asked Dre: “What does LL really stand up for?” “Ladies love? Living large? Sucking your lips? It’s a living legend to me, and I’m here.”
Cool J performed a medley with his hits including “Rock The Bells” with Eminem as his accompanist. He was then joined by J-Lo to perform “All I Have.”
The show opened with Taylor Swift, Superstar and King’s most-loved song “Will You Like Me Tomorrow,” which was performed by Taylor Swift. It appeared on Taylor Swift’s seminal 1971 album “Tapestry”, which became a soundtrack for a generation.
Swift delivered a touching, heartfelt speech of induction for one her musical idols.
Swift stated, “I can’t recall a time when Carole King’s songs weren’t in my head,” and that her parents taught Swift many important lessons. One of them was “that Carole King has been the greatest songwriter ever.”
Swift was thanked by King for “caring the torch forward.” She also noted that other female singers/songwriters have said she stands on her shoulders.
King stated, “Let it never be forgotten.” They also stand on the shoulders of Miss Aretha Franklin, the first woman to be inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Miss Aretha Franklin, may she rest in peace.
King introduced Jennifer Hudson who gave a breathtaking, rafter-shaking performance to “(You Make Me feel Like) A Natural Woman”, before King sang “You Got A Friend.”
Turner, 81, was a woman who achieved her greatest success after she divorced abusive husband Ike Turner. Turner lives in Switzerland, and she did not attend the ceremony.
Turner stated in a video message that “if they’re still awarding me awards at 81,” “I must have done something right.”
Keith Urban and H.E.R. H.E.R. and Keith Urban performed “It’s Only Love”, a duet Turner sang with Bryan Adams, before Mickey Guyton took over her most famous song, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Then Christina Aguilera belted out the “River Deep Mountain High” version.
The Go-Go’s are considered the greatest female rock group of all time. They emerged from Los Angeles’ punk scene during the 1980s. The quintet broke all the rules and broke down gender barriers in an industry dominated by men with hits such as “We Got The Beat”, “My Lips Are Sealed”, and “Head Over Heels.”
Drew Barrymore said, “They’ve been my personal Hall of Fame ever since I was six years old,” and she imitated the cover of the band’s debut album, Beauty and the Beat, during her induction speech. She wrapped her body in towels and applied face cream to her hair.
She said, “Now.” “My childhood dream is realized.”
Rundgren is best known for his soft ballads “Hello It’s Me”, and “Love Is The Answer.” He also had a long road to induction. Rundgren has been vocal about the selection process for the hall and protested by skipping the ceremony.
Rundgren was presented by Patti Smith, who said “Ever defiant” in a video.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was the venue for this year’s ceremony. It is the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, seating 20,000, and is a familiar location to Jay-Z, Foo Fighters and other performers who have performed in the arena before.
It was a return of normalcy for the event which had been forced to go virtual in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artists cannot be inducted until 25 years after the release of their first recordings. Every year there are heated debates over omissions. Public Enemy’s Chuck D pointed out during Friday’s plaque induction ceremony that patience is often a requirement for entry.
He said, “It’s not an overnight thing.” “You cannot stumble into this place.”
King was eligible for induction as a solo artist, and this was the case since 1986. In 1990, she was a songwriter along with Gerry Goffin (her late husband).
The ceremony will air on HBO on November 20.
