The rapper Jay Z has been recognized for his prolific and influential songwriting career by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He becomes the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Hall. The Hall's mission is to, "preserve, honor and celebrate the legacy of the great songwriters whose work has enriched the world’s culture". Jay Z's real name is Shawn Carter. He grew up in a poor area of New York, where he went to school with future rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. He got into hip-hop and became one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. He is also a successful businessman and owns an upmarket sports bar in New York and the music streaming service Tidal.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama inducted Jay Z into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Obama expressed his admiration for Jay Z, saying: "Like all of you, I am a fan, and I've been listening to Jay Z since I was a young and hungry state senator. I'm pretty sure I'm still the only president to listen to Jay Z's music in the [White House]." Mr Obama said Jay Z should also be considered a "true American original" for his contribution to rap and American culture. He called Jay Z the "greatest rapper of all time". Jay Z's music publisher Jon Platt accepted the award on his behalf. He said: "[Jay Z] would tell up-and-coming hip-hop artists today that there can be no mistake or question that you are indeed songwriters."
