The Cleveland-based institution announced May 3 the artists and groups entering the hall as the class of 2023.
Missy Elliott, the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an MTV Video Vanguard Award recipient and a four-time Grammy Award winner, now becomes the first female hip-hop artist in the rock hall, which called her “a true pathbreaker in a male-dominated genre.”
The hall called DJ Kool Herc “a founding father of hip-hop music” who “helped create the blueprint for hip-hop.”
And Chaka Khan was described as "one of the mightiest and most influential voices in music" a “streetwise but sensual hip-hop-soul diva,” who paved the way for women like Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu and Janelle Monáe.
The Spinners became a hit-making machine with four No. 1 R&B hits in less than 18 months, including “I’ll Be Around” and “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love.”
"Brother Don" Cornelius was celebrated for creating Soul Train, a nationally televised platform for African American music and culture. He “became a visionary entrepreneur who opened the door — and held it open — for many others to follow him through.”
Nominees were voted on by more than 1,000 artists, historians and music industry professionals. Fans could vote online or in person at the museum, with the top five artists picked by the public making up a “fans' ballot” that was tallied with the other professional ballots.
The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 3 at the Barclays Center in New York City.
