While the world of Hip Hop was going into Hardcore and Gangsta directions, De La Soul came out of Long Island and set up camp as Rap’s resident hippies. They may very well have been at the dawn of Alternative Rap, as their quirky rhymes and Jazz and Psychedelic infusions made them very different from what was being showcased in the Hip Hop landscape at the time.

With songs that are catchy and fun, They Might Be Giants made a career out of signing carefree songs about seemingly the most random topics. With a quirky sense of humor, the Boston based band grew a sizable following from fans that made them one of the more popular Alternative bands in the pre-Grunge era. With the Grunge movement in the 90’s, it no longer seemed so “cool” to be into any Alt band that wasn’t moping or serious. Though they did achieve some level of success and maintain a solid fan base, their Hall chances are small, and when their most heard song is the theme from the TV show, Malcolm in the Middle, their chances seem to shrink even more.

Some bands seem so poised for a breakout that you find yourself counting the days until that happens. For a couple of years, musical pundits were predicting massive things for Evan Dando and his band the Lemonheads. They pointed to their catchy songs and Dando’s good looks and with the music industry looking for the next big Alternative thing, they graced music magazine covers and critics best of lists. Their rise to the top never happened, and though they recorded acclaimed music, it never reached the mass audience that was predicted for them. With their buzz long since gone, it is doubtful that the Hall may call for them in 2011 or anytime there after.

Although female rappers are common place today, when Salt N Pepa first broke through they were the first all female rap outfit of note. They were powerful women who gave Rap a new voice. Though they were pegged as probable one hit wonders, they had a solid career crossing over to Pop and R&B with a series of hits in the 90’s. They may not necessarily get inducted for their career, but for the doors they helped to break open.