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.

As laid back as they came, Digable Planets blended Jazz and Hip Hop seemingly without effort. In terms of the mainstream, they really only had one hit, but for many who listened to it, it was the first type Jazz/Rap fusion that they ever heard and it was a gateway to other forms of Alternative Hip Hop.  

Best known for the international smash, “Gangsta’s Paradise”, Coolio may have been from Compton, but was at his best with fun loving Raps with a Funk overtone. He did so without losing his Hip Hop credibility and a look at some of the music he did, makes you wonder why he was not more popular in the mainstream than he already was. 

With a very passionate fan base, Maryland’s Clutch was another that was pegged as the next “it” band and though that never happened, ask their devoted fans if they care? They were part Grunge, part Metal, part Led Zeppelin, part Punk, part Jam Band and other Alternative based seasonings to make what many just viewed as a kick ass band. Unfortunately for them, without the album sales to back them up, it is difficult to see them get in to Cleveland in any capacity.