Jay Z to Become First Rap Artist Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

And likely also the first artist to ever be inducted who doesn't write down his lyrics.

Author:: Brian "Z" Zisook
Updated:: Feb 12, 2018
Original:: Feb 22, 2017

The Songwriters Hall of Fame class of 2017 was announced Wednesday morning (February 22) and among the eight inductees is Jay Z, who will make history by becoming the first rap artist to be inducted.

On hand for the class announcement on CBS This Morning was 2016 inductee Nile Rodgers, who said Jay, “has changed the way we listen to music.”

Jay's credentials for such an honor could be an article in and of itself, but as was highlighted on the CBS broadcast, the veteran emcee has, to date, earned 21 GRAMMY awards and has sold over 100 million albums.

In addition to becoming the first rap artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jay is most likely also the first artist to ever be inducted who doesn't write down his lyrics.

Joining Jay in New York on June 15 for the ceremony will be Max Martin, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Chicago’s Robert Lamm, James Pankow and Peter Cetera.