JAY-Z’s 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, will be inducted into the Grammys Hall of Fame this year.
On February 13, the Recording Academy announced the 2025 inductees, which include eight albums and five singles. Reasonable Doubt is the only hip-hop album recognized, joining Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much, Santana’s Supernatural, and Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine’s Conga. The Grammys Hall of Fame Gala will take place in Los Angeles on May 16.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. highlighted the inductees’ cultural impact, stating, “Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations.”
JAY-Z, the most awarded rapper in Grammys history with 25 wins, does not currently own the copyright to Reasonable Doubt. However, legal filings from August indicate that the rights will revert to him in 2031 when Roc-A-Fella Records’ ownership ends.
In other news, a lawsuit accusing JAY-Z and Diddy of sexual assault was voluntarily withdrawn on February 14. The plaintiff’s attorney filed a notice in federal court, dismissing the case without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled later.
JAY-Z, who strongly denied the allegations, called the dismissal a “victory,” stating, “The frivolous, fictitious, and appalling allegations have been dismissed. This civil suit was never going anywhere.” He criticized the legal system, arguing that false accusations should have consequences.
