LL Cool J Inducts DJ Kool Herc Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2023

The godfather of hip-hop, who Cool J said helped form the culture that “changed the lives of millions and millions of people,” was honored in the Musical Influence category

By Jazz Monroe and Hattie Lindert

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Hip-hop godfather DJ Kool Herc was honored in the Musical Influence category at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony tonight. He broke down in tears after he was inducted by LL Cool J. The award, presented separately to the official class of 2023’s inductions, honors “artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting youth culture,” according to the Rock Hall.