rockhall2016.jpg

The performer inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2016.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - On its surface, the 2016 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class may not be all that buzz worthy.

It features four 1970s rock acts that have routinely appeared on snub lists and a 1990s hip-hop act that released just two albums. But a deeper look shows not only a group of worthy acts, but an important class that sets the stage for the next few years of inductions.

The nomination committee's decision to put Deep Purple, Steve Miller, Chicago and Cheap Trick (all of which are going in), as well as artists like Yes, The Cars, Los Lobos and The Smiths on the ballot shows a solid grasp on what's to come.

The 2016 Induction Class marks the first time a newly eligible act isn't going in since 2011. And while that year's class - Alice Cooper, Neil Diamond, Dr. John, Darlene Love and Tom Waits - may have lacked a huge draw either, it cleared the field for the future.

By crossing a few longtime snubs off the list, the 2011 Class paved the way for younger acts like Beastie Boys, Guns N' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Green Day to earn induction over the next four years. Given the newly eligible acts set to hit the ballot over the next few years, we're setup for a similar situation.

Voters can now turn some of their attention to recently overlooked artists like Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins, as well as soon-to-be eligible Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Beck, Radiohead and Foo Fighters.

N.W.A.'s induction is also significant. So far, hip-hop acts entering the Rock Hall have all mostly been critical darlings widely accepted by rock audiences. N.W.A. is the first gangsta rap artist to earn induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

More than any other hip-hop artist that's been inducted, the controversial 1990s group paves the way for the induction of stars like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Jay Z, Outkast and Eminem.

But the 2016 Rock Hall Class' legacy isn't just about clearing the way a bit for younger artists. It's also a chance for the Rock Hall to get back to its roots in a way, honoring bands that emerged in late 1960s/early 1970s with loyal fanbases that have been clamoring for their induction.

That could also set a trend of honoring previously overlooked acts moving forward. For instance, Cheap Trick should make people give bands like Mott the Hoople, The Raspberries, Roxy Music and The Cars another glance.

Deep Purple's induction should make people rethink the accomplishments of the metal acts that came after: Judas Priest, Motorhead, Iron Maiden. Likewise, N.W.A.'s induction could make some reconsider A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Eric B. & Rakim.

For younger fans wishing there was a headliner like Green Day, Guns N' Roses or Nirvana in this year's class -- Don't being shortsighted. The induction of bands like Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Chicago and Steve Miller highlights great musicianship across various genres, from jazz rock and blues to metal and power pop.

There's a reason Billie Joe Armstrong name checked Cheap Trick during Green Day's induction speech last year. While big name acts like Green Day, Pearl Jam and Foo Fighters will become popular fixtures inside the museum over the next decade, it's important to pay homage to the acts that influenced them.

That's the legacy of the Class of 2016: Turning back the clock a bit.