Sights         Sounds        Features

        

Jay Z's Mom on Hall of Fame: 'Honored That God Chose Me to Be Your Mother'

Photo of Jay Z with Gloria Carter, by Kevin Mazur

Gloria Carter has shared a handwritten letter to her son Shawn Carter (aka Jay Z), congratulating him on his historical induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

"You're an inspiration to your family and friends," she wrote in a message which was included in the program for attendees of Thursday night's induction. "You're an amazing husband and father. I'm truly blessed and honored that God chose me to be your mother. Congratulations, my son, on your achievements. Continue to make a positive impact on the world so that we can all live together in peace. Love you for life."

Mama Carter's message was also accompanied by a note from Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles Lawson, declaring, "What we're most proud of is the husband, father, son and the man you've become."

As we previously reported, Jay is the first rapper to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was joined by Swedish hitmaker Max Martin; Motown founder Berry Gordy; Chicago's Robert Lamm, James Pankow and Peter Cetera; Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds; and more.

Earlier today, Tidal released a series of messages from others in the music industry congratulating Jay on his landmark achievement, including André 3000, Chuck D, Pharrell, Quincy Jones, Bono, Kirk Franklin, Alicia Keys, Common, Rick Ross, Chance the Rapper, Jon Bon Jovi, Jill Scott and others. 

For his part, Jay—who rarely uses Twitter—shared a number of tweets following tonight's ceremony thanking "people that have inspired me." Among them were  Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Rakim, KRS-One, Chuck D, Ice Cube, André 3000, Nas, Tupac, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Jay Electronica, Lauryn Hill, Nicki Minaj, Queen Latifah, Common, Kanye West, Drake, Meek Mill, 2 Chainz, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Run-DMC, Scarface, De La Soul, Ice T, Kool G Rap, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Lupe Fiasco, Future, Travis Scott and so many more.

He also managed to sneak in shoutout to Tee Grizzley, adding at the end of one of his tweets: "T grizzley song best out," he said, nodding to "First Day Out."

Jay later shared former President Barack Obama's Hall of Fame introduction video from earlier tonight. 

"I like to think Mr. Carter and I understand each other," President Obama said in the clip. "Nobody who met us when we were younger men would have expected us to be where we are today. We both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are ... Like all of you, I am a fan and I’ve been listening to Jay since I was a young and hungry state senator."

See the tweets and President Obama's video below.