Jay Z among nominees for Songwriters Hall of Fame

Rapper Jay Z, one of contemporary music's most celebrated lyricists and entertainers, is one of the nominees for the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame.
    
If inducted he would become the first rapper to enter the prestigious music organization.
    
Other nominees that could be inducted next year are George Michael, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, Babyface, Max Martin, Kool & the Gang and more.  
    
Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and two performing songwriters until December 16.
    
Five songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at a gala in New York on June 15, 2017.
    
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 launched multiple hits in the last two decades, from Big Pimpin' to Empire State of Mind.