gold star for USAHOF

342. DMX

DMX was a major player in the Hardcore Rap scene, and he enjoyed a high amount of commercial success. Actually, saying a high amount of commercial success was an understatement as he had the number one album on both the U.S. Mainstream and R&B charts (four of which actually debuted there). With an aggressive style and unparalleled intensity, DMX gruff vocals were matched by what was an organic portrait of the life he knew. As critically respected as he was commercially successful, the Hall of Fame chances of DMX lie in how many other Rappers before him get in and if his legacy increases.  This might sound harsh, but to paraphrase Chris Rock, if DMX had died young he would be considered legendary right now.