The first rapper ever to be nominated for the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame has been announced! Jay Z has another reason to celebrate. He is making history by being inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame! The nominees were revealed in October 2016 and the inductees were announced February 22nd on CBS Morning. Major congrats to Uncle Hov are in order!
“He has changed the way we listen to music.” —@NileRodgers on Jay Z becoming first rapper inducted into 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame #SHOF pic.twitter.com/rHISmBLRcp
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) February 22, 2017
For the 2017 class, Hov was alongside some talented performing nominees including: Madonna, George Michael, Cat Stevens, Jeff Lynne, Sly Stone, Gloria Estefan, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, and Bread’s David Gates. In addition, the lineup also included the songwriting teams that make up the bands Chicago and Kool & The Gang.
Furthermore, in order to be eligible, candidates must have at least 20 years of songwriting experience. With Jay Z officially releasing Reasonable Doubt in 1996, 2017 marks Hov’s 1st year of eligibility. 21 years paid off!
Congratulations to Jay-Z on the career milestone!
