The Recording Academy announced Wednesday (January 13, 2016) a Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to world renowned Hip Hop pioneers, Run-D.M.C., in recognition of their unparalleled contributions to Hip Hop.
Selected by the Recording Academy’s National Board of Trustees, the award honors performers who have made contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording. Joining Run-D.M.C. on the list of honorees are Earth, Wind & Fire, Celia Cruz, Linda Ronstadt and Herbie Hancock, among others.
Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy said:
“Each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees. Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”
Rev Run tweeted:
I just got a call from the Grammys!! They shocked me!! We’re the first rappers to get this award!! Shocked! … https://t.co/xHlzCPAgHz
— Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) January 13, 2016
Previous honorees of the prestigious award include The Beatles and The Bee Gees.
Joseph “Reverend Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell are the founders of Run–D.M.C., the hitmaking trio that was birthed in Hollis, Queens, New York, in 1981.
One of the most influential and best-known acts in the history of rap, Run-D.M.C. was the first group in the genre to have a gold album (Run–D.M.C., 1984) and to be nominated for a Grammy Award. They were also the first Hip Hop group to earn a platinum record (King Of Rock, 1985), and the first to earn multi-platinum certification (Raising Hell, 1986).
The special ceremony and concert celebrating the honorees will be held in the spring of 2016.
Photo Credit: rundmc.com
