Tuesday, February 3, 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

Justin Bieber Cosies Up With Brazilian Model

Singer Justin Bieber, who was in an on and off relationshiip with Selena Gomez, has been photographed cosying up with a Brazilian model.

Justin Bieber Cosies Up With Brazilian Model

'Naam Shabana' To Release In 37 Foreign Countries

'Naam Shabana' To Release In 37 Foreign Countries
"Naam Shabana", which hit the screens in India on Friday, will be released across 37 countries -- including non-traditional markets -- on 354 screens worldwide.

'Naam Shabana' To Release In 37 Foreign Countries

Jennifer Lopez Sued Over Hoverboards

Jennifer Lopez Sued Over Hoverboards
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has been sued by a hoverboards company for not keeping her end of the contract.

Jennifer Lopez Sued Over Hoverboards

Priyanka Chopra Vouches For Zac Efron's Abs

Priyanka Chopra Vouches For Zac Efron's Abs
There was speculation that Zac Efron's well-toned body in the trailer of forthcoming film "Baywatch" is fake, but Indian actress and his co-star Priyanka Chopra has vouched for how real it is.

Priyanka Chopra Vouches For Zac Efron's Abs

The Weeknd, Selena Gomez Planning 'Summer Wedding'

Singers The Weeknd and Selena Gomez are reportedly planning a "summer wedding", which will be held in August this year.

The Weeknd, Selena Gomez Planning 'Summer Wedding'

Ben Affleck Is Doing Fantastic: Matt Damon

Actor Matt Damon says his friend and actor-filmmaker Ben Affleck is doing "fantastic" after he went to a rehabilitation centre for alcohol addiction earlier this year.

Ben Affleck Is Doing Fantastic: Matt Damon