It's been 20 years since 2Pac left this earth, but the rapper, poet, and actor's still slaying from the great beyond. Tuesday morning, it was announced that he will be officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Artists are eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first recording. In 2Pac's case, 2016 was his time to shine as his debut, 2Pacalypse Now, hit shelves in 1991. He's following in the footsteps of N.W.A., Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys. But 2Pac will have the distinction of being the first solo hip-hop artist to join the ranks.
Over the years, rap acts have been viewed as controversial picks because they're not considered "true rock." 2Pac's appearance on this year's ballot was no exception. Whatever your feelings, you can't deny that both rap and rock come from the same place — black people.
The full 2017 class will include Joan Baez, Electric Light Orchestra, Journey, Pearl Jam, and Yes with Nile Rodgers receiving the Award for Musical Excellence.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony takes place April 7 and will be broadcast on HBO and SiriusXM.
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