By james art Barack Obama has been betting on hip-hop music throughout his political career. His playlists have become an annual tradition, and he has friendships with high-profile artists like Beyonce and JAY-Z. It made sense that Eminem, Detroit’s own rap icon, would introduce Obama at Harris’ Oct. 22 rally. The two men have expressed their admiration for each other in the past, and Obama gave a vote of confidence by performing part of one of Eminem’s biggest hits.
Eminem’s opening statement made it clear that he is supporting Kamala Harris for president. “I think Vice President Harris stands for the future of this country,” he noted. “Where those freedoms will be protected and upheld.” He then handed over the reigns to Barack Obama, who came out with Eminem’s classic hit ‘Lose Yourself’. The former president continued to praise Harris, but decided to diversify by releasing a few lyrics. “Our palms are sweaty,” he cried. “The knees are weak, the hands are heavy…” The crowd perked up at the recognition of the “Lose Yourself” verse and joined in.
Barack Obama has been praising Eminem’s song for years
Barack Obama’s love of this song is well documented. He spoke about Lose Yourself while promoting his 2020 memoir. Promised Land. During an interview on IG, he cited Eminem’s Oscar-winning hit and JAY-Z’s “My 1st Song” as music that has helped him through difficult times in his presidency. “When I needed inspiration for the presidential campaign, I often turned to music,” he noted. “That was the rap that got my head in the right place.” He described both songs as inspirational. Eminem Shady signed the Obama salute and posted an interview on his IG Story.
Barack Obama remained steadfast in channeling his inner Eminem. In 2016, footage emerged of the former president preparing to deliver a speech at the Democratic National Convention. He nodded intently to the song in the minutes leading up to his speech. However, not everyone was thrilled with Eminem’s decision to co-sign Obama and Harris. Elon Musk, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump, tweeted a devastating insult about Em before the campaign began. He accused the Detroit rapper of being involved with Diddy and being a “partier.”
About the author
Elias Andrews is a music and entertainment writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH in 2024 as the lead contributor on the night shift, which means he covers new music releases every week. In the year since he joined, Elias has covered some of the biggest and stormiest stories in the world of music. It covered Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s battle, and in particular, the release of the disses “Family Matters” and “Meet the Grahams” in real time. He also detailed the current list of charges and criminal charges filed against Didi. Elias’ favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, Kanye West before 808 and Tyler, The Creator. He likes Los Angeles hip-hop, but not Los Angeles sports teams. The first album he ever bought was Will Smith’s Big Willie Style, which he maintains is still a pretty good listen.
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