With their 1982 smash single “The Message,” pioneering group Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five changed the hip-hop landscape. The hit song has long been regarded as of the most important rap tracks of all time, receiving countless accolades in its almost 30 years of existence. Now, the seminal rap hit will join other celebrated works of music in The Recording Academy’s (The National Academy Of Recording Arts & Sciences) GRAMMY Hall of Fame.

On Monday (November 21) it was announced that in 2012 “The Message” will be inducted into the GRAMMY Museum, along with a host of other audio clips that include Dr. Martin Luther King’s famed “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington. Comedian Bill Cosby will also join the ranks with his comedy album I Started Out As A Child receiving the high honor.

“The Message” was penned by Ed Fletcher, Grandmaster Melle Mel and Bobby Robinson and produced by Sylvia Robinson, Clifton “Jiggs” Chase and Fletcher. The song’s stark portrayal of urban living, coupled with its arresting signature keyboard riffs, has ingrained it into the minds of fans, making it instantly recognizable worldwide.

“The Message” is also the first hip-hop song to ever be included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry, an audio preservation project helmed by the government agency.

Congratulations to Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and to the entire pool of GRAMMY Hall of Fame inductees.