As co-founder of Def Jam, it’s natural that Russell Simmons has plenty to say about the fact that two of the storied label’s earliest artists have been nominated to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.
In a blog post on GlobalGrind.com, Simmons expressed his joy at Hall of Fame nods for LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, and posted some of his favorite images of the acts.
“Nothing makes me happier than seeing the greatest of all time, LL Cool J, getting nominated to become a member of the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame,” wrote the Hip Hop mogul, who noted that perhaps only Jay-Z exceeded the Kangol-sporting rapper’s resume of hits.
“But more importantly than being a hit maker, [LL] has always said yes when asked to give back to his community,” added Simmons. “I have asked him to do many, many things and he has NEVER said no. He is a true friend and someone who truly deserves to immortalized in the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame.”
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“And while on this subject, I also want to give praise to the Beastie Boys who have also been nominated. When I first met the Beasties, they were a bunch of white kids from New York City who were doing this new thing in music, fusing rock and rap and making it accessible to every white kid in America.”
Simmons further explained, “…they took this incredible sound and made EVERY kid in America want to rock one of the greatest albums ever, license To Ill. They are amazing people and I feel honored to have the chance to have worked with them during the early years of Def Jam. I look forward to seeing them on the stage being inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame.”
