Following an incredible 2021 that saw LL Cool J and JAY-Z inducted into Cleveland, Ohio’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, Hip-Hop stands to make an encore in ’22. A Tribe Called Quest and Eminem are among the nominees for the induction—which will be confirmed in May. The legendary Queens, New York group, and Detroit, Michigan MC/producer/mogul join a list that includes Beck, Pat Benatar, Kate Bush, Devo, Duran Duran, Eurythmics, Judas Priest, Fela Kuti, MC5, New York Dolls, Dolly Parton, Rage Against the Machine, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, and Dionne Warwick.

The announcement follows an appearance by Eminem during 2021’s affair. Marshall Mathers joined LL Cool J for a performance that included a rendition of “Rock The Bells.” 2022 marks his first year of eligibility.

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Formed in the late 1980s, A.T.C.Q has involved Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, the late Phife Dawg, and co-founder Jarobi White. Between 1990 and 2016, the collective released six albums, all achieving gold or platinum certification—and two topping the charts. Releases such as The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders are among the canon of classic Hip-Hop albums. The crew was a focal point of the Native Tongues collective, involving the Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Leaders Of The New School, Monie Love, and others. Tribe is among the Hip-Hop artists responsible for highlighting the Jazz influence on the culture through sampling and collaboration. The crew disbanded several times, halting recordings for over a decade pursuing solo interests. However, before the 2016 death of Phife Dawg, the team had secretly been recording a reunion album with its four founders. That album, We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, was released after Phife’s passing. While A.T.C.Q. has ceased recording since Phife’s death, its surviving members remain active in recording and entertainment.

Eminem’s career dates back to the mid-1990s. Part of the independent Hip-Hop community, he self-released Infinite amid a Battle Rap career. After signing with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, Em began a streak of 10 albums between 1999 and 2020—nine consecutive reaching #1. That includes two diamond-certified releases, 2000’s Marshall Mathers LP and the 2002 follow-up, The Eminem Show. Em formed D12 with Proof, Bizarre, Mr. Porter, Kuniva, and Swifty McVay and ushered the crew into a successful music career. Em and manager/business partner Paul Rosenberg also launched Shady Records and radio station, Shade 45.

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Notably, Eric B. & Rakim and Mary J. Blige were previous nominees who are not included in this year’s running.

#BonusBeat: AFH‘s What’s The Headline podcast reacts to 2021’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction, featuring JAY-Z and LL Cool J: