Music News | Gene Simmons Slams Hip Hop as Rock: The Debate Continues

Gene Simmons Slams Hip Hop as Rock: The Debate Continues

Renowned rock musician Gene Simmons recently shared his opinion on the relationship between hip hop and rock music, stating that he believes hip hop is not a form of rock music. Simmons, best known as the co-founder and bassist of the iconic rock band KISS, made these comments during a recent interview.

Simmons argued that while hip hop may be a popular genre of music, it is not rooted in the same cultural and musical traditions as rock music. He went on to explain that rock music is defined by its use of guitars, drums, and other traditional instruments, while hip hop relies heavily on electronic beats and samples.

The musician's comments have sparked a debate among music fans, with some agreeing with his viewpoint and others arguing that hip hop can be considered a form of rock music. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that Simmons' perspective adds an interesting dimension to the ongoing conversation about the relationship between different genres of music.

Music News: Gene Simmons Disputes Hip Hop Is Rock

Gene Simmons is not impressed that hip-hop acts have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ahead of bands such as Iron Maiden.

The KISS musician, who was inducted into the famed institution with his band in 2014, has come under fire for airing his grievances with rap and hip-hop’s inclusion on the LegendsNLeaders podcast last week.

“It’s not my music,” he declared. “I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language. And as I said in print many times, hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera or symphony orchestras.”

Simmons complained that heavy metal rockers Iron Maiden were still not in the Rock Hall while hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash is.

“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 pointed out, noting that he has had a “back and forth” with rapper Ice Cube on the topic.

“You can agree to disagree and still respect and admire each other. That’s fine,” the 76-year-old continued. “I have a sense of humour, and you don’t have to agree with my opinion, but I stand by my words. That’s what I believe.

“One, I admire and respect hip-hop. Two, it is not rock ‘n’ roll. And three, when are Led Zeppelin and AC/DC going to be inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame?”

Responding to the claim that his use of the word “ghetto” was racist, the guitarist insisted that “ghetto is a Jewish term”.

“How could you be (racist), when rock is Black music?” he added. “Rock ‘n’ roll owes everything to Black music, statement of fact, period. All the major forms of American music owe their roots to Black music.”

Image: V-Spectrum

Author: Brad LeBeau (promotionmusicnews.com)
Cats: Quotes,Gene Simmons,Grandmaster Flash,Hip hop,Iron Maiden,KISS,rock n roll hall of fame
Hashtags: #Gene #Simmons #Disputes #Hip #Hop #Rock