Jay Z May Be First Rapper Inducted Into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

(Radio.com) Jay Z has been named one of the nominees for the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame. If selected, he would be the first rapper to receive the prestigious award.

Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years. Jay Z, who released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, has written multiple hits in the last two decades, from "Big Pimpin'," to "Empire State of Mind."

The list of nominees, which was announced last Thursday (Oct. 20), also includes: George Michael, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, Babyface, Max Martin, Kool & the Gang, Cat Stevens, Sly Stone, Chicago, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne and David Gates. Read more here.