GRANDMASTER FLASH FIRST RAP TO ENTER HALL, JAY-Z INDUCTS

Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five, definitely lived up to the latter for their induction to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. The Furious Five, down one — Cowboy — greeted the press separately from Grandmaster Flash, and they didn’t hide the fact there is no love lost between them.

The band was inducted by rap tycoon Jay-Z, and Raheim from the Furious Five said that as much as Jay-Z learned from them, they’re learning from Jay-Z.

“I think that Jay-Z is a role model for us as we were for him in that we set the blueprint and set the tone for how to actually apply the science to the business in that the artistry of it, and when Jay-Z came into the game he showed us how to maximize making money, turning this business into dollars. That’s what it’s about at the end of the day.”

The band also talked about the state of their current relationship and the tour possibilities.

“Hey, yo. To be honest… I have to be honest. I don’t like these dudes. I gotta be honest with this one. By the grace of god we’re still here, and we’re still working on it. Just like any relationship, just like a husband and wife you have your times and stuff like that, but this is an incredible time for us to try and rekindle because we’re trying to take the original Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 on a world tour. Just like we look at the Rolling Stones and the Police that’s had such an impact on music can do it, I think cats like us is worthy enough to do it and won’t discredit our people.”

Grandmaster Flash said that their induction opens the door for all rappers to enter the hall.

“Well this particular organization here that allowed us in. I’ll tell you this much, I’m a servant a lover of my craft. I think the significance of this is bigger than Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5. It opens the gates to our culture. So all the Run-DMC’s, LL Cool J’s, the Jay-Z’s the Public Enemy’s the Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force the list goes on, and on, and on, and on. So, I want to say to this organization that I thought would be untouchable…thank you.”

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five performed a medley of their hits during the show. An edited version of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony will air March 17 on VH1. The ceremony was aired March 12 live on VH1 Classic.