The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Tuesday announced its nominees for the 2026 induction class. The list includes 17 artists that span pop, rock, and hip-hop. Lauryn Hill and the Wu-Tang Clan appear on the ballot for the first time. Notably, Hill joins as one of the only hip-hop acts nominated this year. Their inclusion continues a gradual shift toward recognizing rap’s long-standing influence on popular music.
Hill’s nomination centers on her 1998 solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, a record that blended rap and soul with an uncommon emotional directness. The album won five Grammy Awards in 1999. It also made her the first hip-hop artist to win Album of the Year. More than two decades later, it remains a reference point for artists working across genres.
Wu-Tang Clan is nominated in recognition of its 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The album introduced a nine-member collective whose stark production and distinct lyrical styles reshaped East Coast rap in the 1990s. Its influence can still be heard in contemporary hip-hop, which continues to draw inspiration from talents like Lauryn Hill.
Where Legends Meet Legacy
Other nominees include Mariah Carey, Shakira, Jeff Buckley and Pink. In a statement, John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said, “This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture. Induction into the Hall is music’s highest honor and we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 this Fall.”
Inductees will be announced in April across several categories, including Musical Influence and Musical Excellence. The ceremony is expected to take place this fall, though specific details have not yet been released. The 2025 class included Outkast and Salt-N-Pepa. This was part of a broader effort by the Hall to more fully acknowledge hip-hop’s role in shaping the modern musical landscape, and artists like Hill contribute to this recognition.
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