He began his life as Sean Carter, in Brooklyn, hailing from the Marcy Houses.  After over two decades in the Hip Hop game,  Jay-z was most recently inducted into the 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  He becomes only the third Hip Hop act to be included in this exclusive club, joining hall-of fame members Run DMC and LL Cool J.

This honor came with an introduction from our forever President, Obama, and Comedian Dave Chapelle. President Obama shared that Jay-Z lyrics were staples during some of the most pivotal times in his life.  Dave made sure that before he left the stage, everyone knew and understood that Jay-Z embodies success for our culture in any uncertain terms.

Jay-z took to the stage to accept this well earned honor.  This being his first year of eligibility and he is inducted as the first in the Hip Hop industry to be placed in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His speech included honor to many people; it began with props to his Mother, Dr.Gloria Carter, who impacted and supported his art from the very beginning.  He found it entirely appropriate to give LL Cool J, a fellow inductee, whose shoulders he stood on, recognition for being a role model.  Jay-Z indicated early on that he knew he wanted to be an influencer and have a positive impact.  He continued to give homage to those who played an integral part in his journey Damon Dash and Kareem :Biggs” Burke.

“Growing up, we didn’t think we could be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We were told that hip-hop was a fad”

Jay=Z strongly believes that he, like a diamond, was made from pressure.  He refers to his rhymes as a recipe for survival.  He continues to make an impact on the culture, and is planning a major Job Fair in New York City on November 18th.

Head over to Youtube and watch that speech!