Obama raps Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ as both rally for Kamala Harris in Detroit

At a campaign rally in Detroit on Tuesday, former U.S. president Barack Obama joked that his “palms are sweaty, knees weak, my arms are heavy” after having to speak on stage following rapper Eminem.

Both Obama, 63, and Eminem, 52, were present to support Vice-President Kamala Harris ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

“I’ve done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous,” Obama told the enthusiastic crowd. “But following Eminem? That’s a different story.”

Obama — known for his love of music — quoted lines from Eminem’s Lose Yourself, altering them slightly to reflect his own situation. As the crowd cheered, he recited: “My palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti. I’m nervous, but on the surface, I look calm and ready to drop bombs, but I keep on forgetting.”

The former president bounced along to the song’s rhythm and quipped, “I thought Eminem was going to jump out and perform.” He added with a grin, “Love me some Eminem.”

After the light-hearted moment, Obama turned serious, criticizing Donald Trump and telling the audience that America is “ready to turn the page” on his behavior.

Referring to Trump’s recent Pennsylvania town hall, where the former president danced for 40 minutes instead of engaging with voters, Obama said: “If your grandpa acted like that, you’d be worried. This is someone who craves unchecked power. We don’t need to find out what an older, loonier Donald Trump would do without limits.”

Obama also condemned Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results, blaming it for encouraging supporters to intimidate poll workers in Detroit. “All because Donald Trump couldn’t handle losing,” he said.

Before Obama took the stage, Eminem addressed the crowd, emphasizing his connection to Detroit and Michigan. “This city and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me,” the rapper said. “With the spotlight on us in this election, it’s important to use your voice. I’m encouraging everyone to get out and vote.”

Eminem stressed the importance of free expression, saying, “No one wants an America where people are afraid of retribution for sharing their opinions.”

He endorsed Harris, stating that she supports “a future where these freedoms, and many others, will be protected and upheld.”

This isn’t the first time Eminem has been politically vocal. In 2016, he released Campaign Speech just before the election, warning voters against Trump and criticizing his supporters. In 2004, he targeted President George W. Bush in the song Mosh, which came out before that year’s election.

Obama’s admiration for music is well-documented. Twice a year, he shares playlists featuring his favorite songs on social media. His Summer 2024 playlist included tracks from artists like Sting, Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Bob Dylan, GloRilla, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Michigan, a crucial swing state, has alternated between Republican and Democratic support in recent elections. In 2016, the state went red, contributing to Trump’s victory, while it flipped blue in 2020 for President Joe Biden.

Trump also held a rally in Detroit last week, where he brought out local rapper Trick Trick to endorse him.