N.W.A. have been put forward for a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction four times since they first became eligible for it in 2012. So far only four hip-hop acts have ever been given a place in the establishment’s hallowed (and extremely white) halls: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. But following last year’s blockbuster N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, the timing for the group to have their legacy cemented is perfect.
Success should be even sweeter considering fellow inductees Deep Purple, Steve Miller, and Chicago have been knocking about since the late 60s. But N.W.A. fans watching the induction at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn tonight will be a bit bummed out to learn that the group won’t actually be performing. Speaking to the New York Timesabout the ceremony, founding member Ice Cube suggested that the organizers of the event weren’t quite as amped about a full-blown stadium performance of “Fuck tha Police” as we were.
“Nah, we’re not performing,” he said. “I guess we really didn’t feel like we were supported enough to do the best show we could put on.” Asked if the lack of support came from the organizers, he answered, “Pretty much, yeah. We wanted to do it on a whole other level, and that just couldn’t happen. But we’re totally honored, humbled and appreciative to the Hall for even just considering us, inducting us and inviting us.”
When the induction was announced last year, Ice Cube told Rolling Stone that a performance was definitely on the cards.”I want to [perform],” he said. “I think we can get Ren, Yella and Dre together. I think Snoop might do an honorary Eazy. I can’t speak for him, but we’ll ask him. We’ll probably ask a few people.”
Performance or not, tonight’s ceremony will be a significant recognition of the group’s massive contributions to music and culture. It will be aired by HBO on April 30.
Credits
Text Hannah Ongley