Former President Barack Obama surprised a rally in Detroit with a rap of the opening lines to Eminem's song Lose Yourself. The rally was held in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, and Obama’s playful homage to the Detroit rapper quickly became the highlight of the evening.

Taking the stage, Obama joked about his nerves, saying, "I have done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous. But I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem." The 63-year-old then recited the famous opening lines: "Palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy, vomit on my sweater already, mom’s spaghetti," prompting cheers and applause from the energized crowd..

Obama continued adding, “I thought Eminem was going to be performing, I was going to jump out,” before laughing and declaring, “Love me some Eminem.”

Eminem urges Detroit to vote

 

Just four days before early voting starts in the state of Michigan, the rally attracted quite a few big-name celebrities. Included in this list were Detroit native Eminem and outspoken Trump detractor. Eminem made a brief appearance on stage, urging the people of Detroit to get out and vote in the election.“The spotlight is on us more than ever,” the rapper said. “I think it’s important to use your voice, so I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote.”

After Eminem’s remarks, Obama went on the stage to the beat of Lose Yourself, referencing the song within minutes of starting his speech. The rally also featured Calvin Johnson, former NFL Hall of Famer, in a bid to energize voters for this crucial city-Detroit 2024.

 

Obama takes a jab at Trump

 

Obama used the rally to take shots at Donald Trump, denouncing his recent behavior during an appearance at a town hall where Trump brought out music before the audience rather than speaking directly to voters. "If your grandpa was acting like this, you'd be worried," Obama quipped, before warning the crowd that Trump seeks “unchecked power.” He continued, “We do not need to see what an older, loonier Donald Trump looks like with no guardrails.”

The social media erupted into flashes of joy when Obama surprised everyone with a rap performance. Most people were excited by such a once-in-a-lifetime moment. One commentator said, “Eminem just introduced my president—insane energy down here! I didn’t have Obama rapping "Lose yourself on my 2024 bingo card.” Another posted, “I couldn’t love Obama anymore. He just did a little rap song following Eminem in Michigan.”

Another user noted this event was important: "Obama rapping Lose Yourself while standing next to Eminem in Detroit at a Harris rally, in an arena where Trump tried to steal the 2020 election, is next-level politicking!"

As the early voting edge got closer, the rally did capture the energy and excitement required to prod for strong voter turnout in Michigan.