The rapper Jay Z has been recognized  his prolific and influential songwriting career  being inducted  the Songwriters Hall  Fame. He becomes the first hip-hop artist to be inducted  the Hall. The Hall's mission is to, "preserve, honor and celebrate the legacy  the great songwriters whose work has enriched the world’s culture". Jay Z's real name is Shawn Carter. He grew  in a poor area of New York, where he went to school  future rappers The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. He got  hip-hop and became one of the best-selling musicians of all time. He has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. He is also a successful businessman and owns an upmarket sports bar  New York and the music streaming service Tidal.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama inducted Jay Z  the Songwriters Hall  Fame. Obama expressed his admiration  Jay Z, saying: "Like all  you, I am a fan, and I've been listening to Jay Z  I was a young and hungry state senator. I'm pretty sure I'm still the only president to listen to Jay Z's music  the [White House]." Mr Obama said Jay Z should also be considered a "true American original"  his contribution to rap and American culture. He called Jay Z the "greatest rapper  all time". Jay Z's music publisher Jon Platt accepted the award  his behalf. He said: "[Jay Z] would tell -and-coming hip-hop artists today that there can be no mistake or question that you are indeed songwriters."