Jay-Z will be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. He will be honored for his groundbreaking debut album, Reasonable Doubt.
On Thursday, February 13, the Recording Academy unveiled this year’s inductees. They included eight albums and five singles. Jay-Z is the only hip-hop artist among the honorees. He will join other legendary names such as Luther Vandross’ 1981 album Never Too Much, Santana’s 1999 album Supernatural, and Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine’s 1985 hit “Conga.” The ceremony takes place during the Grammys Hall of Fame Gala in Los Angeles May 16.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. shared a statement celebrating this year’s inductees, saying, “It’s a privilege to recognize these eclectic recordings as the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees. Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time. Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.”
Jay-Z’s Hall of Fame recognition adds to his remarkable legacy as the most decorated rapper in Grammy history, with 25 wins. That’s one more than Kanye West, and three more than Kendrick Lamar. He is also married to Beyoncé, the artist with the most Grammy Awards of all time, holding 35. For those counting at home, that totals 60 under one roof!
Though Jay-Z doesn’t currently own the copyright to Reasonable Doubt, that may change soon. A legal document uncovered by TMZ in August revealed that Jay-Z’s lawyers informed the courts once Roc-A-Fella Records’ ownership expires in 2031, the rights to the album will revert to Shawn Carter/Jay-Z. This includes the copyright to the 14-track platinum-selling album, as well as the rights to each individual song.
While Jay-Z may have to wait a few more years for his copyright to return, we’re sure he can manage.
