A band name that we find colossally cool, And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, was an Alternative band that came from Texas, yet sounded far more artistic than other Alternative bands did. Merging Noise Rock and Hardcore Rock, the Trail of Dead did secure a decent following, but does a decent following make a Hall of Fame career? Probably not, as shown by who is in currently.

Alkaline Trio carved themselves a solid spot in the Punk world with a respectable catalogue in the Punk Revival World. With anti-establishment tunes and a Punk/Emo sound, the Alkaline Trio was able to get a fan base, but only a modest one. As we know, any band with only a modest fan base is a longshot for the Hall, and as much as we respect them, they don’t have that intangible to put them in Cleveland.  

He may not be the best known Fugee, but Wyclef Jean may be the most talented one. Upon the breakup of the Fugees, Jean was able to show the breadth of his musical skills which made him one of the most diverse Hip Hop artists of his time. That did not necessarily make him one of the most successful, for as though he remained in the public eye, Wyclef Jean is far from the most successful ambassador of Hip Hop. His best shot is likely with the Fugees, which would recognize a very talented group of artists. 

Massively successful as an actor, it is forgotten sometimes that Will Smith had a fruitful career as a solo artist. His music was a little more serious than with the D.J. Jazzy Jeff and more R&B oriented, but still essentially Pop in orientation. Smith’s music may have been fun, but there is only so far in a Hall of Fame that can go.