Jay Z Becomes First Rapper To Be Nominated For The Songwriters Hall of Fame

Jay Z could make significant music history as the first rapper to be inducted into the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The rapper was nominated earlier today alongside Madonna, George Michael, Cat Stevens, Jeff Lynne, Sly Stone, Gloria Estefan, Bryan Adamas, Vince Gill, Bread’s David Gates and the songwriting teams that make up the bands Chicago and Kool & The Gang.

Candidates are only eligible after 20 years of writing music and Jay Z has officially entered his first year after releasing his first album Reasonable Doubt back in 1996. Since the Mr. Cater has written songs for Rihanna – “Question Existing”, Beyoncé – “Kitty Kat”, Kanye West – “Saint Pablo” and more.

Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and two performing songwriters until Dec. 16. Five songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at a gala in New York on June 15, 2017.