America’s favorite president, Barrack Obama, turned 60 today (August 4)! We know he is enjoying himself celebrating with some good music and family time. A known avid music fan, from his annual Summer Playlist to his candid takes on some of hip-hops biggest acts, Barrack Obama, is a huge fan of hip-hop!
Barrack Obama has had some classic moments over the years, showing his love and appreciation for rap music and hip-hop culture. In celebration of his birthday and Hip-Hop Celebration Month, we compiled a list of some of Obama’s most classic hip-hop moments.
Obama References Jay-Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulders”
In 2008, while running for his first term, Barrack Obama carried himself with immense swagger wherever he was. Often quick-witted and clever in his speeches and debates, Obama always had glowing charisma and energy behind the microphone.
Opposing candidate Hilary Clinton went on a passive-aggressive and snarky tangent against Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries. When asked about the comments, Obama answered back in a f---k the haters moment, re-enacting Hov’s “Brush Your Shoulders Off” dance move in the middle of his speech. When you're running for President, you've got to expect it; you've just kinda got to let it...," goes on to physically brush his shoulders. The crowd went crazy like they were actually at a HOV concert. Is Obama the first hip-hop president?
Obama Shouts Out Kendrick Lamar
In a 2016 Interview with Youtube superstar Swoozie, Obama is asked who he will choose in a hypothetical rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Lamar was coming off the heels of his groundbreaking, To Pimp a Butterfly, dropping Untitled Unmastered that year while Drake had just dropped his fourth studio album, Views, Obama was picking between the rappers in their prime.
"I gotta go with Kendrick," Obama responded. "I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer, but Kendrick, his last album, was outstanding. Best album of last year." Obama put Kendrick Lamar on his Summer Playlist that year. Shout out to Obama for recognizing the real!
Calls Kanye a Jackass
After Kanye’s notorious 2009 VMA controversy, storming the stage while Taylor Swift won the award for the Best Video of The Year, along with the rest of Twitter, Obama had some opinions of his own about the matter.
In a candid video in between takes during an interview at CNBC, Obama was discussing the Kanye and Taylor Swift beef with the interviewer. When the fiasco was described to the president sighed, “he’s a jackass.” in response. Although he was critical of the rapper’s actions, he still cosigned his lyrical and artistic ability. “Although I like Kanye. He’s a Chicago guy. Smart. He’s very talented.” Kanye said to Rolling Stone. “He is a jackass, but he’s talented.,”
Obama Says Jay-Z’s “My 1st Song” Helped Him Through Presidency.
The Obamas have publicly befriended America’s power couple, Jay-Z and Beyonce throughout Barrack’s presidency. Obama has been an outspoken fan of Jay-Z’s music and work ethic, crediting some of his music as motivation throughout his presidency.
Obama says Jay-Z’s “My 1st Song” from his iconic Black Album was one of his favorites during his first term. “I’ve mentioned a couple of songs that even when I was running for president came up a lot on my iPod,” he said. “One of them was ‘My 1st Song’ by Jay-Z, which is a song that I love because it talks about the struggle of just trying to make it.
Where are Biggie and Tupac
In another clap-back moment from the 44th president, Obama had an answer for his arch-enemy, Donald Trump, during the White House Correspondents Dinner. After months of Donald Trump asking the president’s birth certificate to prove he was born in America. After entertaining Trump’s trivial games, the president clapped back with some joke as if he was the host of The Roast.
President Obama shows off his unmatched swagger, again, putting on a hilarious show at his last Correspondents dinner. At the end of his speech, this man proceeded to drop the mic, GOAT!