Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith says some rappers absolutely warrant induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame … even if not everyone — or every rock star — agrees.

We got Chad at LAX and our photog asked him if rap music belongs in the HOF … and Chad wasted no time giving his answer.

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Gene Simmons feels otherwise … the KISS rocker slammed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on a recent episode of the “LegendsNLeaders“ podcast, saying … “Hip-hop does not belong in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, nor does opera, symphony orchestras … it’s called the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”

Gene also said in the same interview, “It’s not my music. I don’t come from the ghetto. It doesn’t speak my language.”

Chad Smith, Michael Anthony, Sammy Hagar and John Mayer
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We asked Chad point blank about Gene’s comments … and he kinda threw some shade Gene’s way. Ouch.

Bottom line for Chad … the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame isn’t just reserved for rockers.