Thirteen Iconic Recordings, Including Jay-Z’s Landmark Debut, Added to the Prestigious Catalog at the GRAMMY Museum®
February 13, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – The Recording Academy® has announced the latest inductees into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame®, with Jay-Z’s seminal debut album, Reasonable Doubt, among the 13 recordings receiving this prestigious recognition. This year’s class includes eight albums and five singles that have demonstrated historical and cultural significance for over 25 years. The inducted recordings will be celebrated at the GRAMMY Museum® and honored during the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala® on May 16, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA. The event will also pay tribute to this year’s label honoree, Republic Records, with performances to be announced soon.
Alongside Reasonable Doubt, this year’s inducted recordings include Tea For The Tillerman by Cat Stevens, Supernatural by Santana, and Never Too Much by Luther Vandross. Other honorees span multiple genres, including works by Big Star, Clara Ward, Eddie Floyd, Emmylou Harris, Fela Kuti & Afrika 70, Geeshie Wiley, Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, J.D. Crowe & The New South, and Linda Martell.
“It’s an honor to recognize these groundbreaking recordings as 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “Music has the ability to define eras and shape culture, and each of these works embodies that spirit. We’re thrilled to celebrate these impactful recordings and ensure their legacies continue to inspire future generations.”
“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame serves as a bridge between music’s past and present, preserving recordings that have left an enduring impact on our cultural landscape,” added Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. “We are proud to highlight these works at the annual GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala.”
Reasonable Doubt: A Hip-Hop Classic
Reasonable Doubt is Jay-Z’s debut album, released on June 25, 1996, under Roc-A-Fella Records. Featuring production from DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody, and Clark Kent, the album showcases a mafioso rap style with gritty hustler-themed lyrics. Guest artists include The Notorious B.I.G., Memphis Bleek, and Mary J. Blige.
The album debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified Platinum. Singles like Ain’t No Nigga and Can’t Knock the Hustle helped promote it. Initially independent, Jay-Z formed Roc-A-Fella after rejecting traditional record deals, leveraging street marketing and collaborations with Big Daddy Kane and Jaz-O to build his career.
Critically acclaimed, Reasonable Doubt is often considered Jay-Z’s best work, praised for its lyrical depth and storytelling. Its production combines jazz and soul samples, distinguishing it from his later, more commercial releases. The album remains a cornerstone of 1990s hip-hop and a defining moment in Jay-Z’s career.
GRAMMY Hall Of Fame Gala® Set for May 16 at the Beverly Hilton, Honoring Republic Records
