The 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class has been decided, and Hip-Hop has reason to rejoice. After six previous attempts, LL Cool J will enter the hallowed halls today (May 12). Meanwhile, in his first time on the ballot, JAY-Z will be joining his former Def Jam Records label-mate in a class that also includes Gil Scott-Heron, Tina Turner, Kraftwerk, Billy Preston, Clarence Avant, The Foo Fighters, Carole King, and Todd Rundgren, The Go-Go’s, Randy Rhoads, and Charlie Patton.

Notably, while Jay enters in the performer category, LL receives the Musical Excellence Award. According to the hall’s site, an October 30 ceremony will hopefully occur before a live audience at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The 36th annual event will broadcast on HBO and Sirius XM, respectively.

LL Cool J Discusses The Importance Of Owning All Of His Music (Video)

While JAY-Z has yet to react publicly, LL Cool J spoke with Rolling Stone’s Andy Greene Wednesday morning. LL, who was previously reported to be at work with fellow Queens, New York native Q-Tip, said the accolade made him want to create music. “To be honest with you, it’s humbling, and it’s inspiring. It makes me want to get in the studio and give something back for this recognition. In a weird kind of way, it makes me want to pay it forward by creating something special for people, and outdo myself in a way, creatively,” he said. “That’s what it does. It makes me want to give the world a new music project.

 

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Rock The Bells Radio’s owner also addressed waiting through half a dozen unsuccessful nominations to gain entry to the hall. “I never put my ego in it. I understand that there’s a rhythm and a reason, and people feel what they feel. What’s meant for you will come to you. So I’m good.”

LL Cool J Weighs In On Why Some GOAT Rapper Lists Snub Him (Video)

LL also stated that he considers himself a direct descendant of Chuck Berry and Little Richard—who he called a friend. Cool J’s debut album Radio used Rock & Roll elements in its samples and programming. Asked about deserving peers to follow in the hall, he shouted out Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Salt-n-Pepa.

In a recent episode of Ambrosia For Heads’ What’s The Headline podcast, there was a discussion about 1984 being Hip-Hop’s greatest year and the tremendous role LL Cool J had in that milestone: