Jay Z, an industry icon, has been chosen to receive an honor for his industry icon status at next year's Pre-Grammy Gala. The 2018 Grammy Salute to Industry Icons Award will be presented by Clive Davis and the Recording Academy at Sheraton New York Times Square on Jan. 27.
In a press release Tuesday, Recording Academy boss Neil Portnow touted Jay's embodiment of "the spirit of New York City" and his groundbreaking, versatile career. "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to honor JAY-Z with this year's GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Award," Portnow said. "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."
The honor is just the latest feather in Jay's cap after a prolific 2017, highlighted by his critically acclaimed 4:44 album, his first release in four years. The album's personally and politically charged lyrics were bolstered by a series of equally acclaimed visuals, including the Friends-referencing "Moonlight." The Alan Yang-directed video recreated the '90s sitcom with stars Issa Rae, Tessa Thompson, LaKetih Stanfield, Jerrod Carmichael, and more.
Last month, Jay dropped by Saturday Night Live to perform a pair of 4:44 tracks. During a run-through of "Bam" with Damian Marley, Jay showed support for Colin Kaepernick with his choice of attire.
We should probably expect another classic Jay performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards Jan. 28. Until then, catch him on his currently-in-progress 4:44 Tour. The next stop is the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona Nov. 3.
