As another year passes, we get another round of great musicians and bands being recognized for their incredible work and art in the music industry. The work they've produced has been so accredited and praised that they get their own little place in the coveted Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Last year we saw amazing artists, including Lou Reed and Ringo Starr, all deserving of their inductee spots. But this year, the line-up is all-star, to say the least. To even be considered in inductee elections into the hall of fame, the foundation must believe that the artist or group in question has had a significant impact on the "evolution, impact, and perpetuation of rock and roll." If there's any group that could have been chosen as inductees this year, it was the 2016 line-up. Inductees for this year include Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Steve Miller, Chicago, and N.W.A.
All have put in the time, dedication, and soul into their art and performance, and now it's finally paying off. When it comes to impacting rock and roll, all of these artists fit the bill. In the last year, we've been reminded about that impact especially with N.W.A. With the release of the "Straight Outta Compton" film, we've been reminded, in case you already didn't know, about the strides the group made to send a message. They were shocking to say the least, but so worthy of their nomination and induction. The rise from the bottom into utter success was fueled by a group of guys who had something to say about their circumstances. Just having something to say has proven well for them, as they're regarded as one of the best groups of all time. It's just been announced that Kendrick Lamar will be presenting N.W.A. at the Hall of Fame ceremony. This is powerful, if you've not yet realized, because Kendrick has been paved the way by N.W.A. in rap music. We see another man with something to say about his circumstances (especially police brutality and other racial shortcomings we see today) and who's able to do so because of N.W.A.
In the end, every artists inducted is unique and accredited by their own merit, and will always have something that makes them unique and the talent they are. But those artists will always have paved the way for someone to come after them, without even realizing it. If it weren't for these inductees, some of our favorites bands and artists today would have a very different sense of inspiration, one that we can't even determine. The ceremony will be shown on HBO this spring, but until then, you can listen to some of the great work produced and performed by these incredible talents.
