RUN D.M.C. first rappers to win Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The Recording Academy, producer of the annual Grammy Awards, is poised to honor rap group RUN D.M.C., with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Members of RUN D.M.C. -- including Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, the late Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell and Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons -- are the first rappers to receive the special honor, it was announced Wednesday.

Simmons expressed his surprise over the news on Twitter shortly after the academy made the announcement Wednesday. "I just got a call from the Grammys!! They shocked me!!" he wrote. "We're the first rappers to get this award!! Shocked!"

In another tweet, the Rev Runs Around The World reality star mentioned he was "honored" by the award, thanking the Recording Academy for the nod.

RUN D.M.C. was the first rap group to earn a gold album and be nominated for a Grammy. Their 1985 album King of Rock became the first in the genre to reach platinum status.

Ruth Brown, Herbie Hancock, Jefferson Airplane, Linda Ronstadt, salsa singer Celia Cruz and R&B collective Earth, Wind & Fire are also honorees of the award, it was announced by the academy.

"Each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honoring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees," Academy president Neil Portnow said in a statement.

"Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come," he concluded.

A special ceremony honoring the Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, as well as those of the Special Merit Awards, Trustees Awards and Technical Grammy Awards, will take place in the spring, the academy says.