Rick james

Why funk legend Rick James is not in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame? I was told that there's an online petition to get him into the hall of fame, which is clearly well over do. It takes a artist 25yrs to be eligible to be recognized for the hall of fame. Some artist are lucky to make it as soon as they are eligible Prince, Madonna, beastie boys, but artist like Rick James, Hall and oats, Donna Summer, who finally made it into The Rock and Roll Hall of fame, after being cast out but to make it after her death last year. Why does the hall of fame does give these artist their props while they are alive?