Barack Obama surprised many by channeling his inner hip-hop star, performing a verse from Eminem during a rally for Kamala Harris.
During the event in Detroit, Michigan, on October 22, the former US President had the audience excited for more than the usual political reasons.
Obama, known for his exceptional public speaking skills, once again showed his ability to captivate a crowd.
While the main purpose of the gathering was to support Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, another unexpected guest was present: the famous rapper, Eminem.
The atmosphere changed significantly when Eminem introduced Obama, who confessed to feeling somewhat anxious—a rare admission from such a skilled speaker.
He expressed, “I have got to say, I have done a lot of rallys so I don’t usually get nervous.
“But I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem.”
At that moment, Obama launched into a few lines from Eminem’s 2002 hit song, “Lose Yourself.”
He went on: “I noticed, my palms were sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti.
“I’m nervous but on the surface, I look calm ready to drop bombs, but I keep on forgetting.”
Obama then engaged the crowd by waving his hands and momentarily stepping away from the podium, only to return and continue with an acapella version on the mic.
He humorously mentioned that he would have been thrilled to watch Eminem perform, as he’s a big fan.
Unsurprisingly, social media was abuzz with excitement over Obama’s spontaneous performance.
One Twitter user commented: “We are living in a simulation, dawg. You can’t tell me otherwise. This is why Eminem is the GOAT.”
Another remarked: “I would’ve loved to have seen Eminem’s face while he was doing that!”
Someone else noted: “2 goats showing each other respect. That’s iconic asf.”
Yet another fan wrote: “I knew Barack couldn’t resist rappin w Em there.”
Eminem is among several musicians who have endorsed Kamala Harris for the upcoming election and took the opportunity to speak at the rally before introducing Obama.
He urged, “Going into this election, the spotlight is on us more than ever and I think it is important to use your voice. So I am encouraging everybody to get out and vote please.
“I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions and I don’t think people wants an America where people are worried about retribution or what people will do if you let your opinion known.
“I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld.”