Songwriter Nominees Announced

The Songwriters Hall of Fame released its nomination list for 2017 inductees and one name stands out: Jay Z, who, if inducted, becomes the first rapper to enter the prestigious music organization.

Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

During a press conference at The Roxy Hotel Cinema in New York.

As it is, the hip hop legend is the first rapper to be nominated to the hall. Other nominees are George Michael, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, Babyface, max Martin and Kool & The Gang, among others.

There are plenty of others, including Cat Stevens, Sly Stone, Chicago, Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lynne and David Gates along with non-performing nominees that include Kenny Nolan, Randy Goodrum, Paul Overstreet and the songwriting duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years. The induction ceremony is in New York June 15.

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