Check the history. Not to compare them to Hi-Five or anything (but while we're on the subject, who did Tony Thompson influence?), but Next and all those late 90s R&B groups had the kind of run those early 90s groups had.
I know it's been a long time, but it's kinda crazy how huge that song actually was
all those late 90s groups like Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, 112, Next, they had a good run.
If Angela Bofill can have her own Unsung, so can Next.
If gay ass Sylvester can have its own Unsung, so can Next
CeCe Peniston had an Unsung off ONE SONG

It ain't a stretch to think Next had a resume to warrant an Unsung. Shiiiit it's not like I'm asking for Koffee Brown or Profyle