Barack Obama Raps Eminem’s Oscar-Winning Hit

October 24, 2024: Eminem, the legendary rap artist, recently made a powerful appearance at a rally for the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections in Detroit, his hometown. The rally, which saw speeches from various notable figures, including Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former President Barack Obama, underscored the critical importance of the upcoming election.

Eminem took the stage to his 2010 hit “Not Afraid” and emphasized the significance of voting, especially for the future of democracy. He expressed his deep connection to Detroit and Michigan and urged everyone to make their voices heard, saying, “I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution…I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms…will be protected and upheld.”

His introduction of President Obama was followed by Obama’s entrance to Eminem’s iconic track “Lose Yourself.” Obama even quoted the song’s famous lines, showcasing his love for hip-hop, a frequent feature on his curated playlists. He humorously remarked, “I thought Eminem was going to be performing,” showing his admiration for the rapper.

Eminem’s support for the Biden-Harris ticket and the Democratic Party is well-established. He had previously endorsed their 2020 campaign, allowing “Lose Yourself” to be featured in a campaign ad. Eminem has a long history of critiquing Republican leadership, particularly Donald Trump. In his 2017 BET freestyle “The Storm” and several tracks from his album Revival, Eminem denounced Trump’s policies and tactics. His political outspokenness continued last year when he sent a cease-and-desist letter to Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for using “Lose Yourself” without permission.

Despite a history of few public appearances, Eminem has been active this year. His 12th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady, released in July 2024, marks a significant shift as he explores themes like the end of his controversial Slim Shady persona, cancel culture, and political correctness. Eminem also shared heartwarming personal news recently, announcing that he had become a grandfather through his daughter Hailie Jade, marking a milestone in his personal life.

His continued activism and presence in the political sphere, especially in a key battleground like Michigan, reinforces Eminem’s dedication to using his platform for social and political causes.