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Photo: Press
Jay-Z is set to become the first ever rapper to be inducted into America’s Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. The rap superstar was nominated for the award back in November by the songwriting organisation.
Songwriters have to have consistently written hits for 20 years in order to be eligible and given that it’s just over two decades since the release of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z is getting the nod.
Jay-Z will be joining Max Martin, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Robert Lamm, plus James Pankow and Peter Cetera of Chicago. Motown founder Berry Gordy 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".
Between them, the nominees have written hits for The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Drake, Beyoncé, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Martha & The Vandellas and many more.
Jay-Z and his fellow songwriters will be inducted to the Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame at a ceremony taking place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 15.
