In order for an artist to earn their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they need to be considered a definitive act, an innovator and a top performer of their genre.

When you think of a genre of music, what are the first three or four acts that come to mind? Those acts are likely the definitive performers of the given genre.

Of those performers, did any of them alter how a listener perceives a genre? Did they do something that no one else did before them? Additionally, was whatever they did both socially and musically relevant?

If any of those artists are still standing, they need to be put up to one final test. Did their work contribute to the artistic advancement of music?

If any names are still standing, they deserve a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Today, I will make the decision on whether or not the current list of nominees are worthy of induction.

Metallica: Yes

If defining thrash metal as a respectable genre and selling 57 million albums doesn’t get you in to the Hall of Fame, what will?

According to the Rocording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Metallica is the 18th highest selling artist of all time. They also managed to stay ten steps ahead of the rest of the metal bands during the ‘80s and most of the ‘90s from an artistic standpoint.

Additionally, every metal band on the planet that formed after 1986 owes something to Metallica. How many artists can say that?

Run DMC: Yes

Before the abomination of “Gangsta Rap” invaded the airwaves and all but destroyed a socially relevant and musically revolutionary genre, there was Run DMC.

Run DMC stripped down hip-hop to just a drum machine and a turn-table at times, but they never fell into the trap of relying on loops as the only inspiration to create music.

They’re credited for releasing the first great hip-hop album, inventing rap-rock and stylistically shaping the genre from there on after. Someone show these men to their table.

The Stooges: No

Though The Stooges undeniably influenced and pioneered punk rock, they don’t come to mind when listing the definitive early punk acts.

Though Iggy Pop’s solo career went well and his stage presence is legendary, his band just didn’t have the same genre-shaping impact as The Clash, The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

If the Stooges stayed together for a bit longer and put out a few more albums before disbanding in the mid ‘70s — reunions don’t count here — they might have had a chance.