There was a time when hip-hop artists were on the fringes. Some even believed that the genre of music was just a trend. Now, some thirty-years later, not only is hip hop a contender in the music industry, some of its artists have a chance to achieve one of the greatest accolades in the music industry: induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The 2014 nominees include a stellar list of musicians who have changed the musical landscape, including rapper, turned actor, LL Cool J and one of the original gangsta-rap groups, N.W.A.

From Vibe:

“Many rap enthusiasts and scholars recognize the pivotal roles that both LL Cool J and N.W.A . made in making rap more mainstream.  LL Cool J emerged as a solo rapper during the heyday of rap groups such as Run DMC and the Fat Boys. He was also one of the first rap artists to show a more sensitive side with his pseudo-ballad, “I Need Love.”  The song propelled LL Cool J as a female fan favorite. Yet, with hits like, “Momma Said Knock You Out,” he still maintained his edge.