We have been working hard on our lists, updating our lists, and multiple projects, but we have a minor update on our initial core list, the Notinhalloffame Rock 600, where we rank the eligible acts who are not yet inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Weeks before the Hall is likely to announce the finalists, we have finally reached the point where we can input the new artists who are eligible starting in 2026.

The third act that we have included is the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who debuted at #79.

Look for more throughout the week, and thank you for your support of Notinhalloffame.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs emerged as the explosive, art-punk heartbeat of the early 2000s New York City rock revival. Formed in 2000 by the iconic frontwoman Karen O, guitarist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase, the trio quickly distinguished themselves from their leather-clad peers with a sound that was simultaneously "trashy, punky, and grimy." Their 2003 debut album, Fever to Tell, became a definitive record of the era, blending raw garage-rock aggression with danceable rhythms. While they shared stages with The Strokes and The White Stripes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs stood out for their avant-garde edge and Karen O’s feral, unpredictable stage presence, which often involved high-concept costumes and chaotic, beer-soaked performances.

The band’s cultural impact is perhaps most encapsulated by their crossover masterpiece, "Maps." While the rest of their debut was defined by serrated guitars and screaming vocals, this vulnerable, tear-streaked love song proved that the band possessed a profound emotional depth and pop sensibility. Its success not only earned them Grammy nominations but also fundamentally influenced the trajectory of modern pop and indie music.

Beyond their initial success, the importance of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs lies in their restless evolution and status as icons of authenticity and diversity. Over two decades, they shifted from the lo-fi punk of their origins to the shimmering, synthesizer-heavy disco of It's Blitz! (2009), before returning with the atmospheric, environmentally-conscious Cool It Down in 2022. As a biracial woman leading a male-dominated rock scene, Karen O became a foundational figure for a new generation of artists—including Japanese Breakfast and St. Vincent—who look to her as a blueprint for unapologetic femininity and creative independence. Their legacy is one of constant reinvention, proving that a band can maintain "New York cool" while growing into a transcendent, globally respected institution.

We have been working hard on our lists, updating our lists, and multiple projects, but we have a minor update on our initial core list, the Notinhalloffame Rock 600, where we rank the eligible acts who are not yet inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Weeks before the Hall is likely to announce the finalists, we have finally reached the point where we can input the new artists who are eligible starting in 2026.

The second act that we have included is Alicia Keys, who debuted at #62.

Look for more throughout the week, and thank you for your support of Notinhalloffame.

Alicia Keys emerged in the early 2000s as a generational talent, blending classical piano mastery with a gritty, soul-infused R&B sensibility. Her 2001 debut, Songs in A Minor, was a cultural phenomenon that sold over 12 million copies and earned her five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. By refusing to be molded into a stereotypical pop star, Keys redefined the "singer-songwriter" archetype for the 21st century. Her career is marked by an extraordinary run of chart-topping albums and timeless anthems like "Fallin’," "No One," and the quintessential New York tribute "Empire State of Mind," solidifying her status as one of the best-selling and most respected artists in music history.

The impact of Keys' musicality lies in her ability to bridge the gap between old-school soul and contemporary hip-hop. Influenced by both Frederic Chopin and Marvin Gaye, she brought a sophisticated, musician-first approach back to the mainstream at a time when digital production was beginning to dominate. Her success paved the way for a new wave of artist-musicians who prioritize live instrumentation and technical prowess.

Considering that she is still a very well-known name and the artists already in, the path for Keys' entrance to the Rock Hall has already been carved.