Photo: Brooks Kraft (Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama paid tribute to his “friend” Jay-Z in a taped video message to celebrate the iconic rapper’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Also: Fake News | An Exclusive Playlist by President-Elect Donald Trump
The 44th commander in chief talked candidly about his bond with Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter), whom he described as “a true American original.” See the video below.
President Obama congratulates Jay Z on his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction! pic.twitter.com/0UcURPYpSm
— Rap Favorites (@RapFavPosts) June 16, 2017
Obama waxed poetic about how the rapper’s music inspired him as the Commander-in-Chief, recalling the time he sampled Jay’s lyrics in his March 2015 speech to commemorate the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma the dirt off his shoulder brush that launched a million memes.
Obama’s most mic drop moment came when he hinted the sex of expectant Beyonce’s twins. “Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, although he’s gonna have me beat once those two twins show up, and let’s face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are.”
The surprise shoutout seemed to inspire Jay-Z to get on social media as the 21-time Grammy winner who many, including himself, consider the GOAT of rap, went on a Twitter rant, name-checking rappers that he digs.
I promise I’m not drunk . Lord Pusha . Carti (Magnolia incredible)ASAP Sean P , Mobb , cudi . Tyler , earl, Snoop!!( almost played myself)
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) June 16, 2017
In addition to Jay-Z, whom earned the distinction of being the first rapper inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the 2017 class of inductees also includes R&B legend Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Motown founder Berry Gordy, songwriting duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, pop music writer Max Martin and Chicago members Robert Lamm and James Pankow.
