Freshly inducted in 2025, Outkast has long been a powerful voice in shaping Hip Hop and moving culture forward. Now they’re getting the recognition they’ve earned for putting the South on the map in the music industry.

The wave of female rappers we see today wouldn’t exist without the iconic Salt-N-Pepa. From the start, their lyrics paved the way for women to speak openly about our desires and sexuality in music.

In 2024, Teyana Taylor made sure Dionne Warwick finally got her flowers for everything she’s given to music. From Jazz to R&B, Gospel to Soul, she’s always been the ultimate genre-blender.

Mary raised multiple generations on hits like “Real Love” and “Not Gone Cry.” She could do no wrong, and she’s one of the rare artists who could grab our attention and keep it across every era.

When you talk about representation in television, you can’t neglect to mention Don Cornelius. Can you imagine your childhood without Soul Train? Of course not! He was inducted in 2023 and received the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

Don’t call yourself a lover of Hip Hop if you don’t know who DJ Kool Herc is. As one of Hip Hop's founding father’s it’s only right that he be mentioned for his musical influence. 

Janet Jackson getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame finally gives her the recognition she’s earned for shaping music, dance, and culture for decades. Her influence is everywhere, and generations of artists wouldn’t be the same without her influence. 

The real question is, what hasn’t JAY-Z done to earn this honor? Beyond a discography full of classics, he’s helped artists cover lawyer fees, get out of bad deals, and built a label that’s truly for us, by us.

Superstardom and super fans? Just look at Michael Jackson. The way he changed music and music videos forever is nothing short of legendary and deserves serious study and this spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Missy’s innovation alone earns her a spot on this list. We can thank her for inspiring rap artists to push boundaries in their visuals and take risks with fashion. You see pieces of her in many artists today.

Prince changed the culture with his music, style, and the way he commanded every stage he stepped on. Every move he made, from his sound to his fashion, set a standard that artists are still measuring up to today.

Tupac changed the culture with his words, his presence, and the way he gave voice to a generation. Every verse, every interview, every move he made continues to shape music and inspire artists across the game.

Whitney Houston changed the culture with her unmatched vocal range and the way she brought emotion and power to every song. Her music and presence will forever be felt in the entertainment world.