The Kamala Harris-Tim Walz rally in Detroit, Michigan, took an eventful turn after Eminem made a last-minute appearance and introduced Barack Obama. Shortly after taking the podium, Obama began rapping the lyrics to the Grammy winner’s hit song, “Lose Yourself.” The former president added his own twist to the lyrics when he subtly transitioned into the opening lines of the track mid-speech. The crowd cheered for Obama as he put forth a knockout performance of the Grammy-winning single.
Barack Obama slightly tweaks ‘Lose Yourself’ lyrics at Michigan Rally
Barack Obama matched Eminem’s energy level and enthusiasm while performing “Lose Yourself” during the Harris-Walz rally in Detroit, Michigan. However, he did tweak the lyrics slightly so the words could fit into his speech mid-way for a smooth transition. Shortly after the rapper introduced the former president to the podium, Obama addressed the crowd, “I gotta say, I have done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous, but I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem.” He then completely switched into a more casual, rapping mode.
At first, Barack Obama effortlessly rapped the opening lines to Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” in the first person point of view contrary to the third person point of view lyrics. Obama rapped, “I notice my palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti, I’m nervous but on the surface I look calm and ready to drop bombs but I keep on forgetting…” The 44th president then shied away for a moment, as he walked away from the podium only to return and offer the introductory beat.
Shortly after, Obama jokingly told the crowd how he thought “Eminem was gonna be performing,” adding he was prepared to “jump out.” The crowd broke into laughter at this quip, following which he paused for a moment before exclaiming, “Love — Love me some Eminem.”
At the Michigan rally, Eminem’s speech preceded Barack Obama’s rap session, where he backed the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign. The Detroit native urged the attendees to “use your voice” and encouraged “everyone to get out and vote,” reported The Guardian.
The presidential election will take place on November 5.
