Monday, February 2, 2026
ADVT 
Hollywood

Obama Gushes Over Jay Z, Inducts Rapper Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

IANS, 16 Jun, 2017 10:16 PM
  • Obama Gushes Over Jay Z, Inducts Rapper Into Songwriters Hall Of Fame

In an adorable video message, former president Barack Obama inducted his longtime friend Jay Z into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and spoke fondly from their daughters to their supremely famous wives!

 

"I like to think Mr. Carter and I understand each other. Nobody who met us as younger men would have expected us to be where we are today. We know what it's like not to have a father around. We know what it's like not to come from much, to know people didn't get the same breaks that we did, so we try to pop up those doors of opportunity." Obama said.

 

The 21-time Grammy winner made history by becoming the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, reports CNN.

"Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, although he's gonna have me beat once those two twins show up, and let's face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are."

 

Obama continued. Jay Z , whose wife, Beyonce, is in the advanced stages of her pregnancy, did not personally appear at the ceremony, but his longtime music publisher and friend Jon Platt accepted the award on his behalf. The rapper, in a series of tweets, thanked those who inspired him, including Obama, tweeting, "And the greatest rapper of all time OBAMA . Thank you 44."

The 2017 class of inductees also includes R&B legend Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Motown founder Berry Gordy, songwriting duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, pop music writer Max Martin and Chicago members Robert Lamm and James Pankow.

MORE Hollywood ARTICLES

Would Love To Work With Dad: Akshara Haasan

Actress Akshara Haasan says she would love to work with her father Kamal Haasan, provided an interesting script comes along.

Would Love To Work With Dad: Akshara Haasan

Bradley Cooper, Irina Shayk Welcome Their First Child

Bradley Cooper, Irina Shayk Welcome Their First Child
Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper and his girlfriend of two years Irina Shayk welcomed their first child.

Bradley Cooper, Irina Shayk Welcome Their First Child

Being Single Is Like Being Born Again: Freida Pinto

India-born US-based actress Freida Pinto, who was earlier in a relationship with actor Dev Patel for seven years, is currently single. She says it feels like she is born again.

Being Single Is Like Being Born Again: Freida Pinto

When Judi Dench 'Shampooed The Dog' For A Bollywood Song

When Judi Dench 'Shampooed The Dog' For A Bollywood Song
Perplexed at a particular Bollywood dance step while filming "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" in India, British cine icon Judi Dench had likened that part of the choreography to "shampooing the dog", recalls co-star Lillete Dubey.

When Judi Dench 'Shampooed The Dog' For A Bollywood Song

Janet Jackson Splits From Husband

Singer Janet Jackson, who gave birth to her first child in January, has split from husband Wissam Al Mana, say sources.

Janet Jackson Splits From Husband

WATCH: Busy Philipps Tells A Harrowing And Hilarious Tale About Escaping A Creepy Uber Ride

WATCH: Busy Philipps Tells A Harrowing And Hilarious Tale About Escaping A Creepy Uber Ride
Actress Busy Philipps says she was almost "murdered" by a stranger during an Uber ride with husband Marc Silverstein.

WATCH: Busy Philipps Tells A Harrowing And Hilarious Tale About Escaping A Creepy Uber Ride