Rock and/or roll

What is rock and roll? As hard to define and open to interpretation as any musical genre, "rock and roll" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. As a fan of rock music, from rockabilly to classic rock, punk rock to metal and everything in between, I've got a few opinions on the subject myself.

But rap music is definitely not rock and roll. Or is it?

Yesterday, Run DMC (alongside Metallica) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a paradoxical and irreverent institution if ever there was one. Now, I'm not going to slag on rap music; musical tastes are very personal, everyone is allowed to have their own. Des goûts et des couleurs on ne discute point, says an old French proverb. Nor am I here to dismiss Run DMC as musicians, or to discredit their importance in rap history or popular culture.

To me, rock and roll implies rebellion, youthful swagger, and attitude. Rap has this in spades. Rockers are often (though certainly not always) activists in some way, as are some (but not all) rappers. Rock is driving, with a heavy backbeat; it should make you want to move, or at least make your blood course a little faster. What is rap if not a beat?

However, rock and roll to me also suggests loud guitars, big drums, pyrotechnics and stage theatrics, girls flashing breasts on concert screens. Especially guitars. So to me, it's clear that rap is definitely not rock and roll. But do the two genres share certain qualities? Absolutely. Does this mean that rappers belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? To be honest, I had started writing this post with the intention of lamenting Run DMC's induction, but after thinking it over, I'm not so sure of my own indignation.

The Hall of Fame's inductees (and omissions) have more than stirred up a little controversy in the past, and the criteria for induction have always been a little unclear, or at least questionable. What's more important: record sales? talent? influence? Try and figure out why The Stooges still have yet to be given the nod and maybe things will be a little clearer. But if the goal of the Hall of Fame is to celebrate the spirit of rock and roll, then maybe artists like Run DMC should be invited to the party. After all, who likes to party more than rappers and rock and rollers?