To be eligible for induction into Cleveland, Ohio's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, one must have released their first single no later than 25 years ago. Along with guitarist Jeff Beck (already inducted with some group-work), Metallica, Disco group Chic, '70s Funk outfit War, The Stooges, Soul icon Bobby Womack and Lil Anthony & The Imperials, Hollis, Queens' Hip Hop pioneers Run-DMC are now eligible nominees.

The trio of Reverend Run, DMC and the late deejay Jam Master Jay released their self-titled debut in 1984, after releasing single "Sucker MC's" the year prior. In total, the group released seven studio albums, and was instrumental in implementing Rock samples into their music. Collaborating with Aerosmith to remix their 1979 hit "Walk This Way," the group is credited with reinventing the Boston Rock legends, inducted to The Hall of Fame.

The 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction program will include a weeklong series of events culminating with the Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 4 at historic Public Hall in Cleveland. Advance ticket sales for the events will be made available to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum members and then to the public.