Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five Vying For 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The year 2007 could mark a milestone for Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The legendary Hip-Hop group is among the nine nominees that are under consideration for induction into the 2007 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland. Chic, Van Halen, R.E.M., Patti Smith, the Dave Clark Five, the Ronettes, Joe Tex and the Stooges round out the list of potential inductees. Only five contenders will be selected from a panel of 500 industry experts, which will make the induction official March 12 at the Hall of Fame's annual ceremony in New York City. Artists must have issued a first single or album at least 25 years prior to nomination to be eligible for the honor. Best known for the hit single "The Message," Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are noted as being one of the most innovative acts in early Hip-Hop. The collective, whose members include Flash, Grandmaster Melle Mel, Kid Creole, Cowboy, Rahiem and Scorpio began recording in the mid 1970's. The occasion marks the second time the Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five has been considered for the induction. In 2004, the group made history by becoming the first Hip-Hop act to be nominated for the Hall of Fame induction.