Eminem with Rev. Run and DMC at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Photo: Getty Images)

Run DMC, along with rock counterparts Metallica, were given huge honors on Saturday night (April 4) in Cleveland, when the two groups were inducted into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame.

One of the evening's highlights came when Eminem made a rare public appearance to honor hip-hop idols, Run DMC, the second hip-hop act to ever be inducted.

The group consists of Rev. Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay.

"Two turntables and a microphone, that's all it took to change the world," Em said, dressed in a black leather jacket, and signature Run DMC fedora. During his short speech, the Detroit rapper went on to say that the trio's music "grabbed hold of my ears and changed my life."

According to MTV News, Em described Run-DMC as, "something fresh, something tough. Something dangerous. Something beautiful and something unique. Two turntables and a microphone."

The remaining two members, Rev. Run and DMC, accepted the honor amongst family members, and paid homage to Run's brother Russell Simmons, who helped co-found Def Jam Record and gave Run DMC their break.

"The best thing y'all can do is give love to a kid, because that kid may grow up and be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame one day," DMC said.

Despite a performance by Metallica, Run DMC did not. The group announced, earlier in the evening, they would not be performing out of respect for the late Jam Master Jay, disappointing some, but was admirable to say the least.

This year's ceremony was held in Cleveland, home of the Hall of Fame building, for the first time since the first-ever induction ceremony in 1997. There was a first as well. The general public was allowed to buy tickets to the event for the first time ever.

"I think it's nice for Cleveland," Russell Simmons told the Associated Press on the red carpet. "They fought to get it here. They deserve it. It's good for the people of Cleveland. It should be here every year."

Aside from Metallica, Little Anthony and the Imperials were inducted by Motown legend Smokey Robinson, British guitar god Jeff Beck was honored, and 71-year-old rocker Wanda Jackson was inducted as well.

Artists are eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first record. They are selected by a panel of 500 "rock experts" who evaluate each candidate.