Oct 22, 2016 via Mashable http://mashable.com/2016/10/21/jay-z-songwriters-hall-of-fame/?utm_cid=hp-r-13#aYZSHkKQYqqw BY MARTHA TESEMA While Jay-Z doesn't have much in the way of current radio hits, Beyoncé's husband has a hefty and legendary catalogue — one that just made him the first rapper to be nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jay-Z was among 23 nominees announced this week including Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Cat Stevens, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and pop producer Max Martin. Artists become eligible for induction after 20 years in the industry. Hall of Fame members vote among those 24 for five songwriters — two performers and three non-performers. The voting period ends mid-December, and the induction ceremony will take place next June. Founded in 1969, the organization has never nominated a rapper. Jay-Z, who is credited for songs under his birth name Sean Carter, has racked up a dozen studio albums since his debut in 1996, not including countless guest verses. Elvis Costello, Marvin Gaye, Tom Petty, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards and Chip Taylor were inducted in 2016. The awards aren't televised and the Hall doesn't have an official home other than online, but the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles has displayed its gallery of inductees in the past.
Feb 22, 2017 Jay Z has made history once again. Today, Hov was announced as an upcoming inductee into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, making him the first rapper to be honored by the SongHall. Other artists who were announced as 2017 inductees include legendary R&B songwriters and producers Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis as well as pop hitmaker Max Martin. The Hall's description of Jay Z describes him as an "accomplished lyricist," recognized for his "remarkable wordplay." Both Tidal and Chance The Rapper shared congratulations for Jay on Twitter. The GOAT
Feb 22, 2017 Well deserved but I can't believe Nas hasn't gotten in yet. I suppose there's always next year.
