The Recording Academy announced on Monday that the Queens-bred hip-hop trio, Run D.M.C. will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Grammys, Rolling Stone reports.
The group comprised of Rev Run, D.M.C. and the late Jam Master Jay is best known for their hits including, “Walk This Way,” “It’s Tricky” and “My Adidas.”
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Rev Run tweeted of his excitement regarding the news, calling it shocking.
“I just got a call from the Grammys!!” he tweeted. “They shocked me!! We’re the first rappers to get this award!! Shocked! Grateful!. God is good!!”
The group has previously never won a Grammy despite being the first rap collective to earn a nomination in 1986 for Best R&B Vocal performance.
Other 2016 Special Merit Award recipients include Earth, Wind & Fire and pianist Herbie Hancock.
A press release from Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow said that the honor is bestowed upon artists for their contributions to various cultural conversations to those in the industry and the audiences they serve.
“This year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees,” Portnow stated. “Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”