Today (Jan. 22), Songwriters Hall Of Fame announced Jay-Z as one of its 2017 inductees, making him the first rapper to be honored by the SongHall. Other artists who were announced include legendary R&B songwriters and producers Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis as well as 70s rock band Chicago. Two-thousand sixteen nominee Berry Gordy will also be inducted.
The Hall described Hov as being an “accomplished lyricist” recognized him for “remarkable wordplay.” Both Tidal and Chance The Rapper shared congratulations for Jay on Twitter.
Congratulations to @S_C_, the first rapper to be inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall Of Fame. #SHOF2017 pic.twitter.com/SUpistREN5
— TIDAL (@TIDALHiFi) February 22, 2017
S/o to my OGs, Jay Z and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, who were elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame today. I hope to one day make it there.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) February 22, 2017
They will officially be inducted on June 15 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in NYC, where the 48th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner will take place.
Jigga responded to the announcement in a one of his few tweets, suggesting this is a historic moment in hip-hop culture.
“By the way, this is a win for US,” he wrote. “I remember when rap was said to be a fad . We are now alongside some of the greatest writers in history.”
By the way, this is a win for US. I remember when rap was said to be a fad . We are now alongside some of the greatest writers in history.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) February 22, 2017
