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Written by: E. George
Published February 17, 2025 @ 4:45 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shared a press release announcing this year’s performer nominations, featuring two groups from Atlanta, Georgia. The list of 14 solo artists and groups includes the iconic southern rap duo Outkast and the legendary bluesy rock band The Black Crowes.
Outkast is comprised of “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. The Black Crowes, created in 1984 by two brothers from Georgia, lead vocalist Chris Robinson and guitarist Rich Robinson, are made up of multiple members, including singer Chris Robinson, drummer Cully Symington, bass player Sven Pipien, and guitarists Nico Bereciartua, Marc Ford, Jeff Cease, and Audley Freed. Chris’s brother, Rich, reportedly parted ways with the group in 2015.
Artists can become eligible for nomination 25 years after the release of their first commercial recording. Eight of this year’s nominations, including the two Atlanta groups, have been nominated for the first time.
On the Hall of Fame’s website, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, John Sykes, stated, “These remarkable nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude, impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of rock & roll.”
The Hall of Fame plans to announce the inductees in April, with the Induction Ceremony occurring in Los Angeles, California, in autumn. The following artists have been nominated in addition to Outkast and The Black Crowes: Bad Company, Mariah Carey, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Cyndi Lauper, Maná, Oasis, Phish, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes.
The artists joining Outkast and The Black Crowes in their first-ever nominations are Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Billy Idol, Phish, and Maná, with the remaining performers making a return appearance on the ballot. The last time the Hall of Fame inducted a Georgia group was in 2007 with the rock band R.E.M.
The Black Crowes reunited in 2024 after a hiatus, released their first album in over 10 years, and secured a Grammy nomination this year with their Happiness Bastards album, while Outkast has not officially performed together since 2014 during their farewell tour. Outkast’s last album, named Idlewild, was released in 2006.
If the rap duo achieves a win, André 3000 and Big Boi may collaborate for a special performance for the first time in over a decade.