L to R: Adam Yauch, Mike Diamond, and Adam Horowitz

 

This weekend, legendary rockers and music impresarios gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for the 27th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.   One of hip hop’s most respected rap groups, the Beastie Boys, were given their spot in the hall of fame. Many note the Beastie Boys as the first white rappers to integrate hip hop (a genre that’s primarily populated by Black rappers).  It’s safe to say that they led the foundation for several of hip hop’s caucasian rappers like Eminem, Bubba Sparxx, Paul Wall, and Pit Bull (although he is not white, but of latin decent).

 

Regardless of the skin color, hip hop has always focused on skills. Beastie Boys definitely could spit rhymes with the best of them. As the group got older, the music didn’t die down. They eventually infused rock music into their sound and was able to expand their fan base.  Congrats to the Beastie Boys for continuing to ROCK ON!  They definitely earned their spot in hip hop and in rock and roll.

 

Check out this blast from the past, “Brass Monkey”, performed live at Madison Square Garden, NY.

 

 

Other hall of fame inductees included Guns-N-Roses and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.  The 27th Annuall Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will air on May 5 on HBO.