It is no secret that Barack Obama is a fan of hip-hop. During the Obama presidency, President Obama invited countless hip-hop artists to the White House for a variety of reasons including advancing of policy agendas, reciting poetry, performances and social gatherings. Barack also famously shared his musical playlists with the public that included the likes of Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar and Nas. Even amid backlash from Republican leaders regarding the lyrics and character of some of these artists, Barack Obama resiliently maintained his allegiance to the genre.
But it was the untimely death of Nipsey Hussle and Obama’s letter of honor and condolences for the rapper that cemented the President’s legacy as a true hip-hop soul. The famous letter was read aloud to an audience that filled the Staples Center in Los Angelas saying in part, “He saw hope” and “He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going,” in 2019.
Now, just over three years later, Barack Obama is back in the public eye honoring another rapper who passed away before his time, Biz Markie. Due to complications from Type 2 diabetes, Biz Markie departed on July 16, 2021. Many artists including Questlove and LL Cool J offered lengthy written and video messages on social media, but a letter from a president is in a world of its on.
Tara Davis, Markie’s widow, revealed in heartfelt remarks during a memorial service on August 2 that the Obamas sent her a personal letter, expressing their sorrow, according to TMZ. This letter, from one of the most popular president’s of our time, shows the impact that Biz Markie’s music had on the world. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy and numerous rappers including Fat Joe and LL Cool J attended the service. Barack Obama was 28 years old when Biz Markie’s hit song “Just a Friend” was released.
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