Considering that he emerged in the era of Gangsta Rap, Common’s Alternative/Jazz Rap sound made him unlikely to achieve the success that he did.  Unlike many artists who seem to flame out after their initial efforts, Common’s albums just got better and better.  It is this acclaim and continued career upswing that could propel him as a surprise inductee, or maybe a nomination to the Hall in years to come. 

Nowadays, the Pop Culture reference to “Arrested Development” refers to the acclaimed Jason Bateman TV series.  A decade ago, that reference was to the Atlanta based Hip Hop group that seemed poised to be the next big thing.  Arrested Development did not reach the heights that was prognosticated for them, but their debut album remains one of the best ever in Alternative Rap history.  That album won awards, gained accolades and made them stars.  They never did follow up with anything else of note, but that album was strong enough for them to gain a look from the Hall, (though De La Soul will likely get any nod for Alternative Rap).

It is a sad reality that an early death can make a star into a legend, and in the case of 2pac, he turned into a martyr.

Love him or hate him, 2pac would become the face of Gangsta Rap and did so not only as a rapper, but also as a very solid actor.  The man born Tupac Shakur, would emerge from being a back-up dancer for the Digital Underground would became the voice of the East Coast Gangsta lifestyle and spent as much time in jail as he did in the recording studio.  

Not that ever could be another Kate Bush, but it could be argued that Tori Amos may have been the closest to achieve that.  As a successful Singer/Songwriter with a 90’s Alternative flair, Amos had a broad appeal and quickly became a darling of the critics.  As of this writing, Tori is still building a legacy and could strengthen her position in years to come.