Artist News Awards

Jay-Z to become first rapper inducted into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

By | Published on Thursday 23 February 2017

Jay-Z

Jay-Z is to become the first ever rapper to be inducted into America’s Songwriters Hall Of Fame. And just in case you were wondering, yes the Songwriters Hall Of Fame does pre-date the birth of rap by some distance.

In order to be eligible for induction to the Hall, songwriters must have consistently written hits for 20 years – Jay-Z’s nomination comes just after the 20th anniversary of his debut album, ‘Reasonable Doubt’.

Also among this year’s inductees is Max Martin, who has – of course – written 90% of all hit songs in the last 20 years. Well, the last few years anyway. They’re both joined by Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Robert Lamm, plus James Pankow and Peter Cetera of Chicago. Berry Gordy, who deferred his 2016 nomination, will also be inducted this year.

“With our 2017 roster of inductees, the Songwriters Hall Of Fame moves definitively into recognising music creators of the 21st century while continuing to honour the greats of earlier decades”, say the organisation’s co-chairs Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and president Linda Moran in a joint statement. “The combination of contemporary sounds and timeless hits of the past is certain to make for an unforgettable evening”.

“The songwriters we honour cross genres, regional and even national boundaries – R&B, rap, pop and rock n roll from both coasts, the American heartland and Sweden”, they continue. “We are THRILLED to once more have the opportunity to preside over an event that recognises the convergence of song craft and musical performance at the very highest level”.

The induction ceremony will take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on 15 Jun.



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