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

Jay-Z is to become the first rapper ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the US. A handful of artists who are considered to have "enriched the world's culture" with their song writing and music are selected for induction every year. Joining the hall of fame is a huge deal - previous inductees include Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jackson. But no rapper has ever made the cut before.
Jay-Z will be inducted as part of the hall's class of 2017 alongside Max Martin, who has written songs for Taylor Swift, Katy Perry and Ariana Grande. Other inductees this year will include Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The duo have written and produced number one singles for Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey and Usher, among many others. Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit tracks for at least 20 years.