This morning, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced the nominees for the class of 2017. The list includes Depeche Mode, Electric Light Orchestra, Jane's Addiction, Janet Jackson, Journey, the Cars, the Zombies, and Yes. But the two most impressive nominations are for Pearl Jam and Tupac Shakur, both first time nominees.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tries to preserve its good name by requiring a waiting period before a band can be nominated. To be considered for the hall, artists or bands must have released their first single or album at least 25 years before the nomination.
Tupac's first album 2Pacalypse Now was released in November 1991, making this his first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame.
In his too short life, Tupac was known for being very thoughtful. He had progressive views on poverty, race relations, and the value of black lives. As early as 1992 he was sneaking digs at future presidential candidate Donald Trump.
The Hall of Fame class inducted last year included N.W.A, Steve Miller, Cheap Trick, Chicago, and Deep Purple. Considering Tupac's enduring legacy and fandom in the hip hop community, it seems likely that he'll be inducted this year.
As in years past, ballots will be sent to a roster of more than 800 artists, historians, and members of the music industry. The public will also be able to cast fan ballots on the hall's website. Voting ends December 5, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2017 inductees will be announced in December. The induction ceremony will be held at the Barclay’s Center in New York City in April 2017.
Kelsey McKinney is a culture staff writer for Fusion.