Music history just got louder and more legendary. The Recording Academy announced the 2026 class of Grammy Hall of Fame inductees, and iconic albums by Janet Jackson, 2Pac and Selena are now officially honored for their lasting cultural impact. These are the records that changed the game and still matter decades later.

Janet Jackson’s powerhouse Rhythm Nation 1814 is now enshrined as one of the most influential albums in pop and R&B. When it first dropped in 1989 it wasn’t just music. It was statement art. The LP blended crisp choreography, socially charged lyrics and a futuristic sound that defined an era and made Janet a blueprint for all pop divas that followed.

Then there is 2Pac’s All Eyez On Me. This double album is hip-hop scripture. It captures the raw energy and turbulent brilliance of Pac at his peak. Even without winning a Grammy in his lifetime, Pac’s influence on rap, storytelling and cultural consciousness has become undeniable. Being inducted now feels like a long-overdue moment for a man many call the greatest.

And don’t sleep on Selena’s Amor Prohibido entering the Hall of Fame. The late Tejano star brought Latin music to the mainstream with heart, grace and an unforgettable voice. Songs like Bidi Bidi Bom Bom and the title track turned this album into a cultural touchstone that still resonates with fans of all ages.

These classics join a curated list of nine albums and five songs chosen this year for their historical significance and lasting influence. To qualify, a recording must be at least 25 years old and still feel relevant today. The inductees span genres and decades, proving that music that matters does more than entertain. It shapes culture.

This is a reminder that what we stream on repeat right now is part of a bigger musical story. The Hall of Fame honors the albums that influenced today’s artists and soundtracks your playlists. Classics never really die. They evolve.