Some may say Run-DMC single-handedly put hip-hop on the map back in the ’80s. And with their rise back then, they accomplished many firsts as a rap group.
Run-DMC were the first to have a No. 1 R&B-charting rap album, the first rap act to chart in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 more than once. They were also one of the first rap artists with gold, platinum and multiplatinum albums, the first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, first rap act to make a video appearance on MTV, as well as one of the first rap acts to receive a Grammy Award nomination. But unfortunately, the group has never won an actual Grammy.
Not to call it a Grammy consolation prize, but the rappers will final receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Each year, the academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees," the president and CEO of the Recording Academy, Neil Portnow, said in a statement. "Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come."
Joining Run-DMC in receiving honorary awards that night will be artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, John Cage, Ruth Brown, Jefferson Airplane, Herbie Hancock, Celia Cruz and Linda Ronstadt.
The Grammys will air Feb. 15 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.