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.  

Although they flew the Grunge flag and came from Seattle, Candlebox was not a critical darling, nor were they really respected among hardcore flannel and goatee wearers. Regardless, Candlebox found solid radio airplay with their debut album, and looking back their effort may have been more rooted in traditional Rock and Roll than their Washington State brethren. 

If you excuse the pun, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was easily the most melodic of the big name rap stars of the Mid-90s, which allowed the Gangsta Rap influenced group to combine that with pop sensibilities.  The result was number one albums and a rewriting of what deep Hip Hop could sound like.  This allowed this group to be a unique combination of kicking ass while thoughtfully taking names.  Their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame depends on how their always changing legacy is seen.