A lot of big things were pegged for Hootie and the Blowfish.  Their 1994 album, Cracked Rear View, dominated the radio with their mainstream appeal of Country and Blues based light Rock and Roll found a massive audience and an unexpected “cool” appeal.  They never did replicate that success and though that was expected, it wasn’t expected just how fast they seemingly fell off the radar.  They did have a period of success that most bands could only dream about but they haven’t been cited as influential in many circles.

Now that Dr. Dre (approrpriately) got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of N.W.A., the question we ask now is whether he should get in as a solo act.  Already making a more than strong case as a producer, Dr. Dre’s solo efforts and collaborations are amongst the most respected in the Hip-Hop world.  A second induction for Dre is a possibility.  

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).