Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2017: 'Dear Mama' Hitmaker Tupac Shakur Joins Nomination List

The prolific rapper, Tupac Shakur, leads roster for the nomination of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Along with the "Only God Can Judge Me" hitmaker, 19 other resounding names in the music industry will be scrutinized for induction in the genre-specific hall of recognition.

Shakur, who died on 1996 after a shootout in Las Vegas Strip, is known to be the arbiter of raw hip-hop music, as Los Angeles Times reports. The rapper spearheaded gangsta rap, an evolution of the hip-hop music, which had a tinge of violence but spoke of sub poetic elements that often reflect less-voiced truths.

Two decades since his death, Shakur's influence to modern music has been as great as how he lived his life. Even though the rapper is only 25 years old when he passed away, he had 75 million albums worldwide in 2007 and made him one of the highest-selling rappers of all time. Indeed, the rapper is a pure American figure to music which makes him deserve a spot in the hall of fame.

https://t.co/eF7ctnoiOy pic.twitter.com/jyaGCMcsIY

— 2Pac.com (@2pac) October 7, 2016

As per USA Today, Shakur's induction is based on the decision of at least 700 musical experts. Having a rapper in the hall of fame has not been the first time as his Compton counterpart, N.W.A., and rapping forefathers, Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys are now Rock and Roll inductees.

While some are thrilled over the Shakur's nomination for Rock and Roll Hall, critics cite his toleration of violence, sex and drug in his lyricism. This has been true to his life even, yet the panel has shrugged off critics' commentary under the premise of some Rock and Roll Hall of Famers being substance users and domestic abusers. Hence, decency is not to be questioned for Shakur's nomination.

Other nominees that join Shakur are Pearl Jam, Bad Brains, Journey, Jane's Addiction, among others. Chaka Khan, Chic, Janet Jackson are a few who have been named as artists to come back for a chance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, says a report from CNN.

Do you think Shakur deserves to be a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee even though his genre is hip-hop? Let us know your thoughts below!