Using Spin's Influential 35 as a Predictor for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Rage-Against-the-Machine

Spin is marking its 35th anniversary with a series of features and lists, including a ranking of the 35 "most influential artists of the past 35 years." Seventeen of the artists have already been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including 15 of the top 20. The remaining artists will likely be in the Rock Hall conversation for the next 20+ years.

Here is Spin's ranking, with the eligibility year listed for non-Rock Hall artists:

  1. Nirvana
  2. Prince
  3. Madonna
  4. N.W.A
  5. Nine Inch Nails
  6. 2Pac
  7. Run-DMC
  8. R.E.M.
  9. Public Enemy
  10. Rage Against the Machine (2018)
  11. Guns N' Roses
  12. Beastie Boys
  13. Dr. Dre (2018)
  14. U2
  15. Pearl Jam
  16. The Neptunes (2029)
  17. Notorious B.I.G.
  18. Tori Amos (2017)
  19. Michael Jackson
  20. Jane's Addiction (2013)
  21. Outkast (2019)
  22. Radiohead
  23. Kanye West (2029)
  24. Jay-Z (2021)
  25. Eminem (2022)
  26. Beyoncé (2029)
  27. Ricky Martin (2017)
  28. Lady Gaga (2034)
  29. Tyler, the Creator (2035)
  30. Spice Girls (2022)
  31. Bikini Kill (2017)
  32. Drake (2035)
  33. Billie Eilish (2042)
  34. Sublime (2018)
  35. No Doubt (2018)

Of the eligible artists, only Rage Against the Machine and Jane's Addiction have appeared on a Rock Hall ballot. The others are still waiting to get an opportunity from the voters.

Is being influential enough to get you into the Hall of Fame on its own? Probably not. It usually takes an additional mix of commercial success, critical acclaim, and industry connections to get you over the top. Fortunately for many of these artists, they can score on multiple fronts.

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