Chuck D to Induct Beastie Boys Into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Beastie Boys impending induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame just became sweeter.

That’s because, according to USA Today, Chuck D of Public Enemy will be inducting the Beasties into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland on April 14.

The Beastie Boys, who are known for hits like “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)” and “No Sleep till Brooklyn,” will be joined by the likes of Guns N’ Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Donovan, Laura Nyro and England’s Small Faces as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s lineup of performers/inductees for the year.

If that’s not good enough company on its own, having Chuck D induct the legendary group into the Hall is definitely an honor.

The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy rose through the hip-hop ranks around the same time in the mid-1980s to early 1990s. The Beasties struck first with their Licensed to Ill album in 1986, before Public Enemy followed with Yo! Bum Rush the Show in 1987. Coincidentally, the Beastie Boys’ induction on April 14 also marks the 24th anniversary of P.E.’s critically acclaimed sophomore album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back.

Although the hip-hop community expressed joy over the December 2011 induction announcement of the Beastie Boys, they also reacted to the snubbing of Eric B. & Rakim. The iconic rap group was amongst the 15 final nominees who didn’t make the cut.

Other presenters include comedian Chris Rock, who will be inducting the Red Hot Chili Peppers into the Hall. The 27th annual induction ceremony will be taped, for showing on HBO on May 5. —Mark Lelinwalla