Via video, Obama inducts absent Jay Z into Songwriters Hall
Jay Z, whose wife, Beyonce, is expecting twins soon, was absent Thursday fromthe 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, where hewas inducted by a charismatic longtime fan: former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Obama, appearing in a taped video, told the audience that he’s been listening to Jay Z since hewas a “young and hungry state senator” and compared himself to the New York rapper.
“Nobody who met us as younger men would have expected us to be where we are today. You knowwhat it’s like not to have a father around; you knowwhat it’s like not to come from much and to know people who didn’t get the same breaks thatwe did. Sowe try to prop open those doors of opportunity, so that it’s a little easier for those who come up behind us to succeed aswell,” Obama said.
“Jay and I are also fools for our daughters, although he’s going to have me beat once those two twins showup. And let’s face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular thanwe are.”
Jay Z became the first rapper inducted into the prestigious organization andwas the first hip-hop act nominated for the honor.
The 2017 Songwriters Hall class also included Motown founder Berry Gordy; R&B maestro Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds; songwriting duo Jimmy Jam& Terry Lewis; pop music great Max Martin; and members of Chicago.