JAY-Z’S added another title to a resume that includes rapper, songwriter, Grammy winner, billionaire business mogul and global icon — Hall of Famer. The self-proclaimed “greatest rapper alive” was inducted Saturday night as part of an eclectic 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class that included Foo Fighters, Carole King, Tina Turner, The Go-Gos and Todd Rundgren. Once a drug dealer on the tough streets of Brooklyn, New York, Jay-Z rose through the rap world with hard, straight-forward songs that often portrayed the struggles of Black people in the United States. His catalog includes songs like “Hard Knock Life,” “99 Problems” and “Empire State of Mind” as well as 14 No. 1 albums. Following a video introduction that included President Barack Obama, LeBron James and David Letterman, Jay-Z was inducted by comedian Dave Chappelle, who praised him for being an inspiration. “He rhymed a recipe for survival,” Chappelle said. “He embodies what the potential of our lives can be and what success can be.” Paul McCartney welcomed Foo Fighters, who have carried the mantle as one of rock’s top arena acts. Initially, the band was little more than a side project for front man Dave Grohl, who was previously inducted as Nirvana’s drummer. Foo Fighters and McCartney closed the show with the Beatles’ “Get Back.” Rapper LL Cool J was enshrined for musical excellence along with keyboardist Billy Preston and guitarist Randy Rhoads. Electronic pioneers Kraftwerk, singer-poet Gil Scott-Heron and Delta blues legend Charley Patton were inducted as early influencers and Sussex Records founder Clarence Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award. Cool J did a medley of his hits, including “Rock the Bells” accompanied by a bearded Eminem before he was joined by Jennifer Lopez for “All I Have.” Cool J wrapped up his blistering set with one of his biggest hits, “Mama Said Knock You Out.” Superstar Taylor Swift opened the show with one of Carole King’s best-known songs, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow.” King thanked Swift “for carrying the torch forward.” She noted other female singers and songwriters have said they stand on her shoulders. The 81-year-old Turner, who found her greatest success when she left abusive husband Ike Turner, lives in Switzerland and did not attend the ceremony. (SD-Agencies) | 