Eminem to Induct Run-DMC into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Eminem, also called the ‘King of Detroit’, was announced as a participant in the festivities late Friday afternoon (March 20). He is scheduled to induct Run-DMC into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on next month, on April 4 at Public Auditorium in Cleveland. The inductees were chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first recording is released.

Eminem is slowly starting to re-enter the public consciousness as he is currently working on his highly anticipated disc Relapse, the first solo album from the Detroit superstar in over four years. Set for release on May 19th, it was recently reported that Eminem will also be putting out a sequel to the long awaited disc later on in ‘09.

Slim Shady’s protégé, 50 Cent, told MTV News it was his idea for Eminem to also put out a second album before the year’s up.
“You can’t ask for more excitement from a hip-hop perspective than two Eminem albums,” 50 said. “One is great. It’s a treat. But the second one is exciting. Actually, it was my idea for him to release two albums, because he had so much material over a time period,” the G-Unit star added. “The [second album] kind of feels like a sequel. They’re both written to one topic almost… it felt like part one and part two of the [same album]. They tie together.”
However, before adding more credits toward his own future Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Eminem is sure to speak graciously about Run-DMC. In interviews, the rapper often name-checks artists who have had an influence on him, and certainly the trio from Queens were on the top of its list.

The famed Queens trio, consisting of Reverend Run, DMC and the late Jam Master Jay, will be only the second rap act to earn a spot in the prestigious club behind Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Run-D.M.C. is largely credited as the first major rap act to crossover in to the mainstream with such hits as “My Addidas,” “Run’s House,” “King of Rock,” “It’s Tricky” and “Walk This Way.”
Furthermore, according to The Associated Press, Eminem will join Jimmy Page, the Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood, Red Hot Chili Peppers star Flea and Smokey Robinson as presenters during the ceremony, held at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland. Flea will pay tribute to Metallica, Page will salute his former bandmate Jeff Beck and Rolling Stones star Wood has been asked to induct soul man Womack. Besides, the rappers will be honored alongside Metallica, Jeff Beck and Bobby Womack, as part of the class of 2009. Two of Elvis Presley’s musicians - drummer DJ Fontana and bassist Bill Black - will be inducted in the sidemen category by Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent. Spooner Oldham, the third honoree in the sidemen category, will be inducted by Paul Shaffer.
However, a presenter for inductee Wanda Jackson, who got a nod for the early influence category, hasn’t been announced.

source: mtv.com; contactmusic.com; hiphop.popcrunch.com.