Hello ‘90s! with these artists eligible from 2015 through 2019. I added 42 more to the list and gave 32 of the artists medium odds or higher for induction, bringing that total to 185. I didn’t add any artists to the Should Be In Already list because these artists have only been eligible between two and six years – it would take an exceptional artist to deserve induction within the first couple of ballots, though I considered designating Lenny Kravitz, Alice in Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins with those odds. There are some incredible artists on this list and I recommend checking out Lenny Kravitz, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Beck, and CAKE.
Eligible 2015
A Tribe Called Quest Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Jazz Rap Odds of Induction: High
A Tribe Called Quest released their first single in 1989. Known for their thoughtful lyrics, the group is considered a pioneer of alternative hip-hop. All six of their studio albums have been certified gold or platinum. They have influenced many artists including Dr. Dre, Lauryn Hill, Busta Rhymes, D’Angelo, Andre 3000, Kanye West, and Erykah Badu. Their musicality, success, and influence should lead them to the Rock Hall.
Gin Blossoms Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Jangle Pop Odds of Induction: Low
Gin Blossoms released their first album in 1989. Known for their hit song “Hey Jealousy,” the band released one platinum and one multi-platinum album. Their catchy sound helped to continue to popularize alternative rock music. Their longevity and success might earn them Rock Hall recognition.
Lenny Kravitz Genre(s): Rock, many others Odds of Induction: High
Lenny Kravitz released his first music in 1989. All but one of his twelve albums has been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in multiple countries. One of the most-respected artists in the music industry, and with longevity and success, Kravitz has left his mark on rock music and should be inducted to the Rock Hall.
Pavement Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Indie Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Pavement released their first EP in 1989. Not commercially successful, Pavement is regarded as one of the greatest underground artists of all time. The band have a cult following and are credited with shaping the lo-fi sound of indie rock from the 1990s to the present. Their influence and musicality should earn them a nod for Rock Hall nomination.
Selena (full name Selena Quintanilla-Pérez) Genre(s): Tejano, Pop, R&B, Latin Pop Odds of Induction: Medium
Selena released her first music in 1989. One of the most influential artists in music history, all but Selena’s debut album are certified multi-platinum or diamond. Known for popularizing Tejano music and Latin music, her career was cut short by her death in 1995. Her success, musicality, and impact should bring her to the Rock Hall.
Skid Row Genre(s): Heavy Metal, Glam Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Skid Row released their first music in 1989. The band has released two multi-platinum albums. That success could see them get interest for the Rock Hall.
Toad the Wet Sprocket Genre(s): Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Toad the Wet Sprocket released their first music in 1989. Known for getting their name from a Monty Python sketch, the band has one gold and two platinum albums to their name. Their success could see them gain support for the Rock Hall.
Eligible 2016
Alice in Chains Genre(s): Grunge, Alternative Metal, Heavy metal Odds of Induction: High
Alice in Chains released their first music in 1990. The band has released ten types of albums or EPs certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. One of the bands to help popularize grunge music, they have influenced many artists including Avenged Sevenfold, Breaking Benjamin, Creed, Hoobastank, Incubus, Korn, Nickelback, Puddle of Mudd, Queens of the Stone Age, Seether, Theory of a Deadman, Godsmack, and Metallica. Their musicality, success, and influence should make them a lock for the Hall.
The Black Crowes Genre(s): Rock , Southern Rock Odds of Induction: Low
The Black Crowes released their first music in 1990. The band has released two multi-platinum and three gold albums among their international success. Consistently charting since their debut, the group’s success could seem them gain support for the Rock Hall.
Blues Traveler Genre(s): Blues Rock, Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Blues Traveler released their first music in 1990. They have released three gold, one platinum, and one multi-platinum album. Known for their bluesy sound and use of harmonica, the group’s musicality, solid discography, longevity, and success should provide interest for the Rock Hall.
Blur Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Britpop Odds of Induction: Medium
Blur released their first single in 1990. Massively popular in their native UK, the band helped popularize the Britpop genre with Oasis, Suede, and Pulp. Known for experimenting with different sounds and styles, the group’s musicality and success give them a good chance at the Rock Hall.
The Cranberries Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Jangle Pop Odds of Induction: High
The Cranberries released their first EPs in 1990. Known for frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan’s vocal style, the group influenced many artists, including U2, Michelle Branch, Faye Wong, Florence and the Machine, Adele, Foster the People, Hozier, and Halsey. The band’s first five albums are all certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in multiple countries. They also count international hit “Zombie” among their international success. The group’s success, musicality, and influence make them a lock for the Hall.
Hole Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Punk, Grunge Odds of Induction: Medium
Hole released their first single in 1990. Known for their lyrics and frontwoman Courtney Love’s personal life and divisiveness, the group released two platinum albums in several countries among moderate international success. The band’s first three albums are all considered classic alternative rock albums and they have influenced many artists including Lana Del Rey. Their musicality, success, and influence make a good case for their Rock Hall induction, though Love’s allegations of racism will likely hurt their chances.
Ice Cube (real name O’Shea Jackson) Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: Low
Ice Cube released his first solo music in 1990. His first seven albums are certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. Known for his provocative lyrics and his “gangsta” attitude, Cube’s success and musical ability could see him inducted to the Rock hall a second time (he’s already in with N.W.A.).
Smashing Pumpkins Genre(s): Alternative Rock Odds of Induction: High
Smashing Pumpkins (sometimes with ‘The’ in front) released their first singles in 1990. Known for their artfully crafted music videos and layered guitar on their recorded material, the band has influenced many artists, including Third Eye Blind, Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, Silversun Pickups, and My Chemical Romance, among others. They have nine albums certified gold, platinum, multi-platinum, or diamond in several countries among their international success. Their success, influence, and musicality should make them a lock for the Hall.
Eligible 2017
Tori Amos (real name Myra Ellen Amos) Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Tori Amos released her first solo singles in 1991. She has released eight albums certified gold or higher among her extensive discography. A musical prodigy, Amos is known for her arrangements and lyrical themes. Her success, musicality, and technical ability make her a solid candidate for the Rock Hall.
Bikini Kill Genre(s): Punk, Alternative Rock, Riot Grrrl Odds of Induction: Medium
Bikini Kill released their first album in 1991. The group is considered the first riot grrrl (underground feminist punk) artist. As originators of the subgenre, the band influenced other artists who would join the style, including Sleater-Kinney. Their musicality and influence should seem them get recognition with the Rock Hall.
Crash Test Dummies Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Folk Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Crash Test Dummies released their first music in 1991. Known for their hit “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” the band are also recognized for their experimentation with different sounds and styles and have released one platinum album and one multi-platinum album in Canada, and one multi-platinum album in several countries. Their success and musicality are worthy of mention for potential nomination to the Rock Hall.
Alanis Morissette Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock, Pop Odds of Induction: High
Alanis Morissette released her first music in 1991. One of the faces of alternative rock in the 1990s and 2000s, her diamond-certified album Jagged Little Pill is one of the highest-selling albums of all time and is considered a seminal alternative rock album. She also has eight other albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. Her musicality and success should make her a lock for the Hall.
Sublime Genre(s): Reggae Rock, Ska Punk Odds of Induction: High
Sublime released their first music in 1991. Cut short by frontman Bradley Nowell’s death, the group are known for popularizing ska punk with their three albums certified gold or multi-platinum. Despite a limited discography, they influenced artists like No Doubt, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and others. Their musicality, success, and influence should bring them to the Rock Hall.
Stereolab Genre(s): Avant-Pop, Indie Pop, Post-punk, Electronic Odds of Induction: Medium
Stereolab released their first music in 1991. Known for their political and philosophic lyrics, use of electronic music, and taking lounge music to the next level, the group has also influenced artists including Sonic Youth, Pavement, Blur, and others. Along with critical success, their musicality and influence give them a shot at the Rock Hall.
Tool Genre(s): Alternative Metal, others Odds of Induction: High
Tool released their first music in 1991. One of the groups to popularize alternative metal, all five of their studio albums are certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. Known for their experimentation with styles of music, the band has influenced artists including Korn, System of A Down, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, and Limp Bizkit. Their success and influence make a good case for their induction to the Rock Hall.
Keith Urban Genre(s): Country, Country Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Keith Urban released his first album in 1991. Known for his blend of country, rock, and pop, Urban has released eleven albums certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum in several countries. Urban is also considered an excellent guitarist. His musicality, success, and technical ability might help him earn support for nomination to the Rock Hall, which would fill a hole of contemporary country rock artists in the Hall.
Eligible 2018
Barenaked Ladies Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Barenaked Ladies released their first music in 1992. Known for their hit song “One Week,” the band has released several gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums in the U.S. and Canada. The band were early adopters of computer technology, digital music, and social media and are known for their quirky lyrics. They are considered an influential Canadian group and are one of Paul McCartney’s favorite artists.
Dr. Dre (real name Andre Romelle Young) Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: Medium
Dr. Dre released his first solo music in 1992. Known as a prodigious producer, Dre’s first two albums are regarded as two of the best hip-hop albums of all time. His success as a rapper gives him a decent shot at the Rock Hall as a performer, but look to see him inducted with the Ahmet Ertegun Award or the Award for Musical Excellence for his contributions as a producer. One thing that will hold him back are his allegations of assault and assault charges.
Jamiroquai Genre(s): Funk, Acid Jazz, Disco Odds of Induction: Medium
Jamiroquai released their first single in 1992. Known for their international hit song “Virtual Insanity,” the group has released seven albums certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum in several countries. They have influenced artists including Tyler, the Creator; Chance the Rapper; SZA; and Calvin Harris. Hurt slightly by frontman Jay Kay’s insistence on wearing faux Native American headdresses, the band’s influence and success will see them get support for nomination.
Annie Lennox Genre(s):Pop, Pop Rock, New Wave, Synth-Pop Odds of Induction: Low
Annie Lennox released her first solo music in 1992. A gay icon, her first two albums are certified multi-platinum in multiple countries. Known for her variety of musical styles and lyrical themes, she has influenced artists such as The Spice Girls. Her popularity and musicality give her a shot to be inducted as a solo artist.
No Doubt Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Ska Punk, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
No Doubt released their first music in 1992. Known for their number-one worldwide hit “Don’t Speak,” the band helped to popularize ska punk. Their diamond-certified album Tragic Kingdom is one of the highest-selling albums of all time. The band released three other platinum or multi-platinum albums in several countries among their international success. Aside from launching Gwen Stefani’s career, the group has influenced other alternative rock and pop artists. There should be no doubt (nudge nudge) their success and musicality will get them into the Rock Hall.
Rage Against the Machine Genre(s): Rap Metal, Funk Metal, Alternative Metal Odds of Induction: Medium
Rage Against the Machine released their first music in 1992. Nominated for the Rock Hall this year for the fourth time, all four of the band’s albums are certified platinum or multi-platinum in several countries. Known for their political lyrics, the band has a considerable following. Their success and musicality will likely earn them Rock Hall enshrinement.
Stone Temple Pilots Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Grunge Odds of Induction: Medium
Stone Temple Pilots released their first album in 1992. A popular but critically divisive artist, their first four albums are all certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum. Known for Scott Weiland’s vocals and lyrics dealing with subjects like addiction, the band’s music has been more appreciated over time. The group influenced other artists such as Linkin Park and Smashing Pumpkins, among others.
Eligible 2019
Beck (full name Beck David Hansen) Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop, others Odds of Induction: High
Beck released his first music in 1993. Known for international hit “Loser,” Beck has released six gold, one platinum, and one multi-platinum album. Also known for experimentation with different styles of music, his music has been both commercially successful and critically praised. Two of his albums were ranked by Rolling Stone among the 500 greatest of all time. His success and musicality should earn him a trip to the Rock Hall.
Björk (full name Björk Guðmundsdóttir) Genre(s): Pop, Electronic, Avant-Pop, others Odds of Induction: Medium
Björk released her first solo music (aside from a release as a child) in 1993. Considered one of the most diverse and eclectic artists in music history, her first five studio albums are all certified gold or platinum in multiple countries. Her debut album, Debut, is also considered one of the first pop albums to utilize electronic music. Her success and musicality give her a good shot at induction.
Jeff Buckley Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Blues Odds of Induction: Low
Jeff Buckley released his first EP in 1993. That and his album Grace are his only releases prior to his death. Known for his vocal range and guitar prowess, the music he released is critically renowned and commercially successful. His technical ability and success will likely help him be nominated for the Rock Hall.
CAKE Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Funk, Experimental Rock Odds of Induction: Low
CAKE released their first single in 1993. Known for their quirky lyrics, lead trumpet, and incorporation of many sounds and styles into their music, the band has released one gold and two platinum albums in the U.S. Their musicality and success give them a shot at nomination.
Sheryl Crow Genre(s): Pop Rock, Pop, Country Odds of Induction: High
Sheryl Crow released her first music in 1993. Crow has released six albums certified platinum or multi-platinum among her international success and extensive discography. Her song “Tomorrow Never Dies” is also a top-five Bond song. A premiere woman rocker, look for her to be nominated for the Rock Hall soon as the institution finally begins to acknowledge more women’s influences on the progression of rock music.
Counting Crows Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Medium
Counting Crows released their first music in 1993. Known as much for lead singer Adam Duritz’s dreadlocks as their music, the band has released six albums certified gold or higher in multiple countries. Their first two albums are certified multi-platinum and they are well-regarded for their live performances. They are overshadowed by other contemporary artists, so they’ll likely have to wait before getting any attention from the Hall.
Eraserheads Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Pop Odds of Induction: Medium
Eraserheads released their first album in 1993. Nicknamed “The Beatles of the Philippines,” the group is credited with reenergizing interest in rock music, especially alternative rock, in the Philippines, where the band was incredibly popular. They influenced many artists in the Philippines to make indie rock, including Mayonnaise and IV of Spades. The most successful and influential rock group from any country should have Rock Hall recognition.
Everclear Genre(s): Alternative Rock, Post-Grunge, Pop Rock Odds of Induction: Low
Everclear released their first music in 1993. Known best for frontman Art Alexakis’ appearance on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide (just kidding, y’all, though the episode definitely inspired me), the band released one gold, two platinum, and one multi-platinum album. One of the first popular post-grunge artists, the band’s success could see them get support for nomination.
Fugees Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Soul, Reggae, others Odds of Induction: Medium
Fugees released their first single in 1993. Regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time, the trio has influenced a number of artists with their musicality and genre-blending, and launched Lauryn Hill into the spotlight. The bands second album, The Score, is noted as one of the greatest albums of all time and was massively popular critically and commercially, and by musical peers. With contemporaries Tupac and Biggie already in, Fugees might be on their way in.
Outkast Genre(s): Hip-Hop Odds of Induction: Medium
Outkast released their first single in 1993. Known for their worldwide hit songs “Ms. Jackson” and “Hey Ya,” all six of the duo’s studio albums are certified multi-platinum, including the diamond-certified, worldwide hit album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. Credited with popularizing a southern style of hip-hop, Outkast incorporated many styles of music into their sound and is known for their positive lyrics. Their success and musicality make a good case for their induction to the Rock Hall.
The Roots Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Progressive Soul Odds of Induction: Medium
The Roots released their first album in 1993. Known for their hit song “You Got Me,” the band is one of the first full bands in hip-hop to find commercial and critical success. The group has released two gold and one platinum album among a solid discography and moderate international success. Probably the best part of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the band’s success and musicality should see them get support for the Rock Hall.
Snoop Dogg (real name Calvin Broadus Jr.) Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: High
Snoop Dogg released his first music in 1993. One of the greatest rappers of all time, Snoop has had massive international success. Known for his laid-back style, his success and musicality make a good case for his Rock Hall induction.
Wu-Tang Clan Genre(s): Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap Odds of Induction: High
Wu-Tang Clan released their first music in 1993. Known for their limited sampling, altered sampling, and gangsta rap lyrics, the group helped to popularize gangsta rap. They have influenced many artists including Nas, Jay-Z, the Notorious B.I.G., and Kanye West. Their success, musicality, and influence should bring them to the Rock Hall.
Check out the next article in the series: artists eligible in 2020 and 2021!
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