Jay-Z is the first rapper nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame

While Jay-Z doesn't have much in the way of current radio hits, Beyoncé's husband has a hefty and legendary catalogue -- one that just made him the first rapper to be nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Jay-Z was among 23 nominees announced this week including Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Cat Stevens, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and pop producer Max Martin. Artists become eligible for induction after 20 years in the industry.

Hall of Fame members vote among those 24 for five songwriters -- two performers and three non-performers. The voting period ends mid-December, and the induction ceremony will take place next June.

Founded in 1969, the organization has never nominated a rapper.

Jay-Z, who is credited for songs under his birth name Sean Carter, has racked up a dozen studio albums since his debut in 1996, not including countless guest verses.

Elvis Costello, Marvin Gaye, Tom Petty, Nile Rodgers & Bernard Edwards and Chip Taylor were inducted in 2016.

The awards aren't televised and the Hall doesn't have an official home other than online, but the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles has displayed its gallery of inductees in the past.