By Jewel Wicker

Several hip-hop groups have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including 2016 inductees N.W.A.

But, in 2017, a rapper will make history.

Late rapper Tupac will become the first solo hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, according to the Washington Post.

Pearl Jam, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra and Joan Baez will also be inducted into the hall of fame in 2017.

Nominees must have released their first single or album at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Tupac and Pearl Jam became eligible this year and immediately secured nominations and, subsequently, inductions.

AJC's Melissa Ruggieri wrote about the nomination process earlier this year. According to her, the ballots were sent to more than 800 artists, historians and members of the music industry.

Known for hit songs such as "How Do U Want It" and "California Love," Tupac was shot multiple times after leaving an event in Las Vegas in 1997. The 25-year-old died six days later. His killing remains unsolved.

The 2017 class will inducted in April at a ceremony at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The event will be broadcast on HBO.

About the Author

Keep Reading

(Courtesy of Tin House Books/The Sager Group)

Credit: Tin House Books / The Sager Group

Featured

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks to constituents during a Town Hall his office held on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Atlanta, at Cobb County Civic Center. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution/Jason Allen)

Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution