Barack Obama throws down Eminem lyrics as he and the rapper rally support for Kamala Harris in Detroit

Former President Barack Obama has been actively supporting Vice President Kamala Harris as they approach the election on November 5. Recently, he made a stop in Detroit, Michigan, to rally support.

The crowd, filled with Harris fans, got a special surprise when Eminem, the famous rapper and Detroit native, made a rare appearance to lend his support. Eminem has been a longtime advocate for both Harris and President Joe Biden, especially during the lead-up to the 2020 elections. When Eminem introduced Obama, the former president made his entrance while nodding his head to Eminem’s iconic song, “Lose Yourself.”

Before diving into his speech, Obama joked about how he usually doesn’t get nervous at these rallies. However, after hearing Eminem, he admitted he was feeling a bit overwhelmed. To connect with the crowd, he playfully recited a few lines from “Lose Yourself,” including the famous part about sweaty palms and feeling nervous. The audience loved it, and Obama couldn’t help but chant the song’s beat, expressing his admiration for Eminem with a cheerful, “Love me some Eminem.”

Obama has made no secret of his appreciation for Eminem. In a 2020 Instagram post, he shared that during his 2008 campaign, he often pumped himself up by listening to rap music, especially tracks that inspired him, like “Lose Yourself.” Eminem even acknowledged Obama’s shout-out by sharing it on his Instagram with a praying hands emoji.

Over the years, Eminem has been outspoken against Donald Trump. In 2017, he delivered a fiery freestyle at the BET Awards, criticizing Trump and drawing a line in the sand for his fans, saying they needed to choose a side. His performance touched on various issues, all while showcasing his impressive rhyming skills. In a 2017 interview, he expressed how Trump made his “blood boil,” claiming Trump was misleading people with empty promises.

However, Eminem later reflected on the consequences of his words. In the song “The Ringer” from his album Kamikaze, he questioned if it was worth it to alienate some fans with his anti-Trump sentiments, especially after noticing a decline in his fanbase. Reports indicated that the Secret Service even took notice of his controversial lyrics, leading them to investigate him for “inappropriate behavior,” as revealed in documents obtained by BuzzFeed News.

Before introducing Obama, Eminem made a statement emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech and the need for a country where people aren’t afraid to express their opinions. He highlighted that Vice President Harris is committed to protecting those freedoms. Instead of directly attacking Trump during the event, he urged the Michigan crowd to get out and vote, expressing his belief that Harris is the right choice for the future.