At the top of 2018, Jay-Z will officially hold the title for most Grammy wins by a rap artist.
As announced today (October 31), the 21 time-winning rap titan will receive the Grammy Salute to Industry Icons award, which will honor “his significant contributions to the music industry and his numerous philanthropic endeavors.” The 4:44 author, who was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this past summer, will turn his 21 wins into 22 when he is presented with the honor at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel just one night before the 60th annual Grammy Awards.
“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to honor JAY-Z with this year’s GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Award. His contributions as an industry trailblazer and music visionary only begin to touch on the tremendous impact he’s made both in entertainment and beyond,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement. “JAY-Z also embodies the vibrant spirit of New York City and we couldn’t imagine a more fitting honoree as we return to Manhattan for this year’s GRAMMY Awards.”
At 22 wins, Jay will break his tie with Kanye West, who also has 21 awards, to become the rapper with the most Grammy awards of all time.
The Grammys will return to New York City, for the first time since 2003, on January 28th, 2018.