KISS member Gene Simmons stands by his ‘ghetto’ comment about rap - ‘I stand by my words’

Gene Simmons’ recent comment about his stance on rap has been facing a lot of backlash. In a recent interview, the musician addressed the issue firsthand and explained what he really meant from his comment, saying, “I don’t come from the ghetto.”

Gene Simmons stands by his words on rap and hip hop

While talking to People following the controversy about his comment on rap music, Simmons is still standing by what he said. He stated, “I stand by my words. Let's cut to the chase. The word 'ghetto,' it originated with Jews. It was borrowed by African Americans in particular and respectfully, not in a bad way. Ghetto is a Jewish term ... How could you be, when rock is Black music? It's just a different Black music than hip-hop, which is also Black music.”

The KISS member further shared that a lot of musical genres in America owe their roots to black music itself, which also includes Rock and Roll.

About the controversy regarding Gene Simmons' views on rap music

While appearing on the ‘Legends N Leaders’ podcast on February 7, the singer was asked about his stance on rap music as a genre. The discussion was surrounding the inclusion of rap and hip hop in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the time, while talking about it, Simmons had stated, “The fact that, for instance, Iron Maiden is not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they can sell out stadiums, and Grandmaster Flash is… Ice Cube and I had a back and forth — he’s a bright guy, and I respect what he’s done. It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language.”

This comment had garnered a lot of backlash online for the use of the word ghetto to describe rap and hip hop music.

Gene Simmons is one of the founding members of rock and roll band KISS, and has been active with the group since 1973.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”