JAY-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Joins Grammy Hall of Fame as 2025 Inductee
JAY-Z’s legendary debut album, Reasonable Doubt, will be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its status as one of the most influential rap albums of all time. The 2025 induction makes JAY-Z the only rap artist to be recognized by the Recording Academy this year.
Alongside Reasonable Doubt, several other iconic recordings will be honored, including:
- Luther Vandross – Never Too Much (debut album)
- Santana – Supernatural (1999 comeback album)
- Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine – “Conga”
- Fela Kuti & Africa 70 – “Zombie”
- Clara Ward – “How I Got Over”
- Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman
- Linda Martell – “Color Him Father”
- Eddie Floyd – “Knock on Wood”
- J.D. Crowe & The New South – J.D. Crowe & The New South
- Geeshie Wiley – “Last Kind Words Blues”
- Emmylou Harris – Wrecking Ball
Recording Academy Celebrates Timeless Classics
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, praised this year’s inductees for their cultural and musical impact.
“It’s a privilege to recognize these eclectic recordings as the 2025 GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees. Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time,” Mason stated. “Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we’re excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.”
The Legacy of ‘Reasonable Doubt’
Released in 1996, Reasonable Doubt is widely regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of all time. The album showcased JAY-Z’s sharp lyricism, storytelling, and hustler mentality, setting the stage for his legendary career.
Featuring classic hits such as:
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- “Ain’t No Nia”** (feat. Foxy Brown)
- “Dead Presidents”
- “Feelin’ It”
- “Can’t Knock the Hustle” (feat. Mary J. Blige)
- “D’Evils”
- “Brooklyn’s Finest” (feat. The Notorious B.I.G.)
The album’s production was handled by some of hip-hop’s finest producers, including DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody, and Clark Kent.
Reasonable Doubt debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard 200, charting for 18 weeks and eventually earning platinum certification with over 1.5 million copies sold.
2025 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala
The Grammy Hall of Fame Gala will take place in Los Angeles on May 16, where all inductees will be celebrated for their contributions to music history.
With this honor, JAY-Z further solidifies his legacy, proving once again why Reasonable Doubt remains a timeless masterpiece in hip-hop culture.
