An Old-Time Rapper's Delight

By Rebecca Winters

Hip-hop is finally getting its props from the rock establishment. Pioneering DJ GRANDMASTER FLASH and his group, the Furious Five, are among this year's nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame--the first rap artists to claim that distinction. "The streets are buzzing," says Flash, who shares the ballot with U2, Randy Newman, the O'Jays and others. "I went into Target this week, into Home Depot. Everywhere I go, it's 'Congratulations!'" Bands are eligible for the honor when their first album is at least 25 years old. Dubbed "Toscanini of the turntables," Flash recorded Super Rappin' in 1979. The inductees will probably be announced in December, and this DJ is feeling cautious: "People, I'm not in yet!"