It was a star-studded event for last weekend’s 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The famed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio was packed to the gills with fans, families, and famous personalities who have made our lives full with their melodies and cherished works of art. The induction marked a grand return to the in-person ceremonies of years past, and the first one to take place since John Sykes took over as its chairman.
With 13 acts all entering into the halls, which is about double the number in a standard class, this was one of the most diverse group of inductees in recent years. It was a sight to be in the room for such a momentous occasion, especially because of two of this year’s inductees—hip-hop luminaries Jay-Z and LL Cool J.
The COVID-19 crisis directly affected the tribute, as most of the honorees were no-shows, submitted a video message (Tina Turner), had others provide posthumous tributes (Ringo Starr for Billy Preston) or boycotted altogether (Todd Rundgren). And while in the past, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame commemoration has gone on for hours, the quickened pace of this year’s event sure sped up the evening and gave ample time for the likes of Clarence Avant, Tina Turner, Gil Scott-Heron, Charley Pride, and those in hip-hop that we’ve lost to get their propers as well.
Jennifer Hudson, who played Aretha Franklin in the recent biopic Respect, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” in honor of legendary singer/songwriter and inductee, Carole King. Soon after, Dr. Dre, who is a 2016 inductee as part of N.W.A., came out to admit LL Cool J, who now joins Run DMC, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. It was a beautiful sight to see the Aftermath Entertainment head honcho at the podium, as Dre reserves his public speaking for opening new schools in Los Angeles or making music for video games.
“He’s hit that unique space that crosses bridges generations; the rare artist beloved by you, your momma, and all of your kids all at once,” he said. “How ‘bout that? How many artists in the rap game are relevant after 30 years?”
No truer words could describe how Def Jam Records’ inaugural signee went from being a lyrical lothario to a limelight-loving actor to a full-blown living legend embracing the adoration from his peers. And when that love fest transitioned to the stage, Uncle L kicked off a memorable performance that left mouths agape and all hands in the air. His set began with a remixed version of 1987’s “Go Cut Creator Go,” blended with the Rick Rubin-produced “Going Back to Cali”.
Upping the ante, Eminem, who cites LL as his favorite rapper, casually strolled onto the stage for an otherworldly rendition of “Rock the Bells”. The duo traded lines, shared the spotlight, and delivered incredible energy, shock, and awe to create one of the night’s most bombastic showing.
SOURCE: BET
