Barack Obama Gives Heartfelt Introduction as Jay Z Becomes First Hip-Hop Artist in Songwriters Hall of Fame
Former President Barack Obama is a big fan of Jay Z. The former POTUS had nothing but kind words to say about the 47-year-old
rapper, who became the first hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Songwriters
Hall of Fame on Thursday.
In a pre-recorded video message, Obama began his introduction by naming this
year's inductees: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis,
Chicago's Robert Lamm & James Pankow and Max Martin. He then congratulated
his "friend and first-time ballot Hall of Famer," Jay Z.
"I like to think Mr. Carter and I understand each other," Obama expressed.
"Nobody who met us as younger men would have expected us to be where we are
today. We know what it's like not to have a father around, we know what it's
like not to come from much, and to know people who didn't get the same breaks
that we did. And so we try to prop open those doors of opportunity so that it's
a little easier for those that come up behind us to succeed as well."
"Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, although he's gonna have me beat
once those twins show up," he continued. "And let's face it, we both have wives
who are significantly more popular than we are... Like all of you, I am a fan,
and I've been listening to Jay since I was a young and hungry state senator. I
sampled his lyrics to close my speech at Selma, I tweeted a reference to 'My
First Song' as I was putting the finishing touches on my final State of the
Union address, and I had to brush some dirt off my shoulders during a campaign.
I'm pretty sure that I'm still the only president to listen to Jay Z's music in
the Oval Office. That may change at some point, but I'm pretty sure it's true
now. In fact, Jay, you've been inspiring and making me want to be active in my
retirement just like you've been in yours."
Obama closed his remarks by recalling something "that Jay once said that
struck me" about not changing and staying true to himself. He then concluded by
saying, "I'm proud to help present this award to a true American original."
The "Run This Town" rapper later took to Twitter to thank "all the people that have inspired me."President Obama congratulates Jay Z on his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction! pic.twitter.com/0UcURPYpSm— Rap Favorites (@RapFavPosts) June 16, 2017
Thank you to all the people that have inspired me . Rakim KANE KRS chuck cube Jaz Em Andre Nas big PAC cole kendrick chance jayE ..wait,— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) June 16, 2017
After writing over 10 tweets, which included names of various rappers and
artists, he also shouted out the former POTUS for his touching intro.
"And the greatest rapper of all time OBAMA . Thank you 44," he tweeted.
And the greatest rapper of all time OBAMA . Thank you 44 https://t.co/CueS0BynCj— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) June 16, 2017
Jay Z -- along with the rest of the world -- is currently awaiting the
arrival of his twins with Beyonce. The singer has recently stopped
appearing in public and posting on her social media account, which makes
many think that the babies are on their way soon!
No comments
Your comments and Encouragement are welcome