After members of NWA criticized KISS front man Gene Simmons during their acceptance speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, Simmons has decided to strike back.
Responding to criticism from the group regarding his claim that Hip Hop was on its way out, Simmons tweeted "Respectfully-- let me know when @JimiHendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame. Then youll (sic) have a point."
Respectfully-- let me know when @JimiHendrix gets into the hip hop hall of fame. Then youll have a point. @icecube https://t.co/BRuU8t5vYe
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) April 9, 2016
Simmons tweet comes after a long-simmering feud between the KISS singer and the Hip Hop community. Early in March, Simmons claimed he was "looking forward to the death of rap," decrying the genre's alleged lack of "melody."
This, naturally, earned Simmons the ire of many popular Hip Hop artists.
At their acceptance speech for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this weekend, legendary Hip Hop group NWA had something to say about Simmons' claims.
Speaking about the controversial rock star, NWA member MC Ren said, "And I want to say to Mr. Gene Simmons, hip-hop is here forever! Get used to it! Get used to it! We supposed to be here!"
At this point, fellow NWA member Ice Cube chimed in, saying, "The question is, 'Are we Rock N Roll?'" he added. "And I say - you go**amn right we Rock N Roll. Rock N Roll is not an instrument. It's not even a style of music. It's a spirit that's been going on since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, rock 'n' roll, R&B, heavy metal, punk rock, and yes, hip-hop. Rock N Roll is not conforming to the people who came before you, but creating your own path in music and life. That is Rock N Roll and that is us."
