Madonna, Kool & the Gang and Babyface have also been nominated.

Jay Z has been nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame 2017 class, reports AP, making him the first-ever rapper to receive this distinction. He joins artists like George Michael and Madonna and mega-producers like Max Martin and Babyface in the nominations.

Songwriters are eligible for the Hall of Fame after 20 years in the field. Jay Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt celebrated its 20th anniversary this past June, entitling Hov to the nomination. Voting will take place this November.

Jay Z is currently working on a television project documenting problems in the United States correctional system, highlighting the wrongful three-year imprisonment of the late Kalief Browder, as well as a biopic about legendary comedian Richard Pryor.

Revisit Jay’s 1996 cut ‘D’Evils’ below.