Although his career seems to have subsided in recent years, Nelly has the perfect mixture of Pop and Rap in the first half of the 00’s and was a major star. With a slew of hits and a high profile, he did not exactly keep it up, but there is still time for the young Rapper to re-emerge with International success again.



The Bullet Points:
Eligible Since:
2025

Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Austin, Texas)

NIHOF’s Favorite Album:
Country Grammar (2000)

NIHOF’s Favorite Song:
Hot in Herre (From Nellyville, 2002)

Although Mudvayne has dispensed with the makeup and gimmickry that first brought them attention, the band has a lot working against them for Hall of Fame contention. First off, Metal bands struggle to make the Hall, and second, Mudvayne has been in the shadow of other Metal bands. Throw in the fact that this band is far from the most respected band amongst the critics shows that Mudvayne as a long road ahead of them if they wish for immortality in Cleveland.



The Bullet Points:
Eligible Since:
2025

Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Peoria, Illinois)

NIHOF’s Favorite Album:
The New Game (2008)   

NIHOF’s Favorite Song:
Not Falling (From The End of All Things to Come, 2002)

Although born in Illinois, Ludacris became a superstar in the Dirty South Rap Movement. With a plethora of hits and a sleazy (though playful) sound, Ludacris crossed over to the Pop world and the planet took notice. Depending on how the man born as Chris Bridges fairs into the 10’s, his Hall of Fame chances will either move on to the right side of the bubble or disappear completely.



The Bullet Points:
Eligible Since:
2025

Country of Origin:
U.S.A. (Champaign, Illinois)

NIHOF’s Favorite Album:
Chicken-n-Beer (2003)

NIHOF’s Favorite Song:
Move Bitch (From Word of Mouf, 2001)

They may have merged Rap and Alternative Rock, yet Linkin Park may have had a lot more Pop sensibilities that even they themselves were aware of. They struck gold in 2000 and though they have yet to repeat the success of their debut, they are a better band overall than they get credit for. This may not make them HOF worthy, but overall a band worthy of a look.