JAY-Z will be honored by the Recording Academy this year as his iconic debut album, Reasonable Doubt, is inducted into the Grammys Hall of Fame.
On Thursday (February 13), the Recording Academy announced the 2025 inductees, which include eight albums and five singles. JAY-Z is the only Hip Hop artist being recognized this year and will be honored alongside legendary works like Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much (1981), Santana’s Supernatural (1999), and Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine’s 1985 hit “Conga.” The induction ceremony will take place at the Grammys Hall of Fame Gala in Los Angeles on May 16.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed his excitement in a statement:
“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 remains the most awarded rapper in Grammys history, with 25 wins—one more than Kanye West and three more than Kendrick Lamar. He’s also married to Beyoncé, the artist with the most Grammy Awards of all time, holding an impressive 35 wins.
Although JAY-Z does not currently own the copyright to Reasonable Doubt, legal documents uncovered by TMZ in August revealed that the rights will revert to him in 2031 when Roc-A-Fella Records’ ownership expires. The copyrights cover not only the album’s title but also each individual track on the 14-song, platinum-certified project.
JAY-Z and Diddy Lawsuit Withdrawn by Plaintiff
In other news, a lawsuit accusing JAY-Z and Diddy of sexually assaulting a minor 25 years ago has been withdrawn following intense scrutiny.
On Friday (February 14), the plaintiff’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, filed a notice in federal court in New York announcing their decision to voluntarily dismiss the case.
The lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled at a later date if the plaintiff chooses.