This was really surprising! Did you know Eminem’s name didn’t make the cut on former President Barack Obama’s top five rappers list a few years ago, raising eyebrows and sparking conversations among hip-hop aficionados? While Drake and Chance the Rapper, who both have taken the music world by storm, graced the list, Eminem, despite his undeniable legacy, was absent.
On October 22, 2024, Eminem made a memorable return to the political stage at a rally for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in Detroit. He electrified the crowd with his anthem, Lose Yourself, making a last-minute appearance to introduce former President Obama. When the latter himself took the mic, he humorously acknowledged the challenge of following such a powerful performance, admitting to feeling a bit nervous.
Obama’s Top Five Rappers: Why Eminem Didn’t Make the Cut?
Music has a unique way of bridging gaps and sparking conversations, and when it comes to hip-hop, it often brings to light differing tastes and preferences. Former US President Barack Obama has never been shy about sharing his musical interests. However, one notable absence from his top five rappers list in 2016 ignited discussions: Eminem.
In a candid moment on Sway in the Morning, Obama shared his thoughts, stating:
I think the young guys, Kendrick and Chance, are doing amazing work. I love Drake and the girls love Drake, so he’s commercially just doing great, and unbelievably talented.
He also reminisced about the enduring influence of legends like Jay-Z and Kanye West. In this context, it’s surprising that Eminem didn’t make the list, especially considering his monumental impact on the genre.
Jay Z’s still the king. I mean he’s got a track record. Same with Kanye so there’s a lot of talent out there, but when I look at who’s breaking new ground, Kendrick and Chance, those guys are doing just amazing work.
There you have it: Obama’s list of top five rappers features Jay-Z, Drake, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar, in no specific order.
Given this context, it’s surprising that Eminem was left off the list, especially considering his monumental influence on the genre. Well, ultimately, the choice to exclude Eminem likely boils down to personal preference, reflecting Obama’s musical taste and his view on which artists were pushing boundaries in hip-hop.
Eminem Introduced Barack Obama at Kamala Harris Rally in Detroit
On October 22, 2024, Eminem made a surprise entrance at the rally for the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign, stepping in just in time to introduce former President Barack Obama at an event in his hometown of Detroit (see Variety).
He opened with his song Not Afraid, energizing the crowd and reminding everyone of the importance of participating in democracy. “Detroit! What up doe!” he exclaimed (check out the entire video here).
As most of you know, the city of Detroit and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me. Going into this election, the spotlight is on us more than ever, and I think it’s important to use your voice, so I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote, please.
After Eminem’s mesmerizing introduction, Obama took the stage, even rapping along to the opening lines of Eminem’s classic track Lose Yourself. Reflecting on the moment, he humorously noted:
I gotta say, I’ve done a lot of rallies. So, I don’t usually get nervous, but I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem….Love me some Eminem.
Despite this camaraderie, it’s intriguing that Obama’s top five rappers from a few years back included names like Jay-Z, Drake, Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar, but not Eminem. While the latter may not have made the cut, his influence on the genre and his recent rally performance remind us that he remains a formidable force in both music and activism!
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