One of rap and hip-hop’s most influential forces, paving the way for a new era of conscious rappers, Tupac (2pac) Shakur will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

The inductees to the famed Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2017 were announced yesterday including some legendary bands like Journey and Yes, but the most notable entry is undoubtedly Tupac. Tupac’s posthumous induction will make him the 6th rap act to be inducted, but the first solo rap artist.

Whilst some argue against hip-hop’s inclusion into the Hall of Fame, Tupac is more than deserving of his place for his inspiration to a generation of disenfranchised African Americans, as well as opening the eyes of many others. His conscious writing, reflecting the good and the bad realities of life, especially for black communities, has since inspired millions of people, including rap artists to this day like “king” Kendrick Lamar.

Following NWA’s induction last year, presented to them by the one and only Kendrick, Gene Simmons from Kiss spoke out against their inclusion. In response rapper, actor and NWA member Ice Cube said: “Rock ‘n’ Roll is a spirit… It’s been going since the blues, jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, heavy metal, punk rock and, yes, hip-hop.”

Unfortunately Tupac won’t be able to see his induction as he was murdered in 1996 under circumstances that remain questionable to this day. However if anything his early death cemented his place as a pivotal figure in rap culture even more.

Even to this day, after his death Tupac Shakur represents a movement, this time marking a significant moment for hip-hop/rap and by extension black culture. Though that’s not to forgo any of the legendary black musicians inducted in the past including James Brown, Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye and many others.

The other 2017 inductees announced are Electric Light Orchestra, Joan Baez, Journey, Pearl Jam and Yes.