US rapper Eminem paid tribute to Run DMC as he inducted the hip-hop collective into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday (April 4th).

The rapper said the group, who formed in 1983, had “changed my life” and called them “the first rock stars of rap”.

In a poetic speech in Cleveland, Eminem said: "Something fresh, something tough. Something dangerous. Something beautiful and something unique. Two turntables and a microphone.”

Run DMC are only the second rap group to join the Hall of Fame following Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's induction in 2006.

The group, now a two-piece following the death of Jam-Master Jay, are widely regarded as one of the host influential hip-hop acts of all time.

Metallica, Jeff Beck, Little Anthony and the Imperials and Bobby Womack were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the weekend.

The performer inductees were chosen by the 600 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.

Bands become eligible for inclusion twenty-five years after the release of their first recording.

(by Jason Gregory)