Living Hip-Hop legends Run-D.M.C. are among the artists being considered to be inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, it was announced today (September 22).

The rap group joins esteemed acts like Little Anthony and the Imperials, Jeff Beck, Metallica, Bobby Womack, Chic, Wanda Jackson and pioneering hardcore band The Stooges.

“Run-D.M.C. and Jam Master Jay being considered for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an honor and a dream come true,” Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “I pray that my DJ, Jam Master Jay is resting in peace and smiling ear to ear. D.M.C. and Jay, job well done! This is exciting beyond belief.”

The 24th annual 2009 induction ceremony, which is open to the public for the first time in the Museum’s history, is slated to take place April 4 at Public Hall in Cleveland.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established in 1983, to recognized the contribution of musicians and their artistry to pop culture.

The Museum is located in Cleveland, Ohio and is a nonprofit organization which preserves and honors the continuing significance of popular music.

The organization collects, preserves and a number of artifact through exhibits, libraries, archives and educational programs.

Comprised of Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels and Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell, Run-D.M.C. dropped their self titled debut album Run-D.M.C. in 1984 for New York City independent, Profile Records.

The group went on to record a number of groundbreaking recordings, including King of Rock (1985), Raising Hell (1986), Tougher Than Leather (1988), Back From Hell (1990), Down with The King (1993) and Crown Royal (2001).

Run-D.M.C. is credited with bringing Hip-Hop to the masses, through hits like "My Adidas," "Peter Piper," "Walk This Way," "Mary Mary."

Each year, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s nominating committee, which is comprised of rock and roll historians, selects the nominees, who are not eligible until 25-years after their first album was released.

Then, a body of over 500 international experts vote and the performers who receive the highest number of votes and more than 50 percent of the vote - are inducted.

Usually, five to seven performers each year.

In 2007, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five were the first Hip-Hop group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.