Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Finally Recognizes Rap

The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame was threatening to become a bit of a joke. It was already inducting artists from the 80s and still hadn't rrecognized rap or hip-hop. That finally ends with the new batch of honorees. Along with R.E.M. (the classic example of a band that would have been even cooler if they'd called it a day a decade ago a la Talking Heads), Patti Smith, the Ronettes and Van Halen, they are honoring Gradmaster Flash and the Furious Five. I can't wait to hear the all-star jam on "The Message." The Ronettes were also a great choice (Phil Spector didn't do EVERYTHING), but Grandmaster Flash opens the door to Run DMC, Public Enemy and all the rest.