Former United States President Barack Obama has honored music mogul Jay-Z during his inauguration at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as the "incarnation of the American Dream."
"I have turned to Jay-Z's words at various times in my life, either expelling the negative energy of statements about me or invoking lyrics on the Edmund Petus Bridge on the 50th anniversary of the Selma-Montgomery March," said Barack Obama. in a videotaped message that was shown during the ceremony that took place last Saturday.
"Today, Jay-Z is one of the most famous artists in history and an embodiment of the American Dream, a Dream that has helped make it a reality for other young people."
Comedian David Chapel also honored the hip-hop legend by emphasizing that he is still "hip-hop" even though he is part of the Rock & Roll of Fame. "It is an incredible honor to announce the introduction of this man to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But you all in rock'n'roll should know that even though you honor him, he is ours. It's hip-hop. "Forever," he said.
Jay-Z, whose real name is Sean Carter, said in his speech that he did not believe hip-hop artists would enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, according to Reuters. "You are trying to make me cry in front of all these whites!" said Jay-Z. "When we grew up we did not think we could enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. "We were told that hip-hop was fashionable," he said.
Comedian David Chapel also honored the hip-hop legend by emphasizing that he is still "hip-hop" even though he is part of the Rock & Roll of Fame.
"I saw these guys with big chains wearing leather and whatever they wore, everyone wore it the next day," Jay-Z said, referring to rapper LL Cool J., among others. "And I said, 'That's what I want to do.' I want to be like these guys. " And that's how I started my journey, "he said, referring to Gloria Carter's mother and Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Dame Dash.
Jay-Z became the first live solo rapper to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This year, Carol King, Tina Turner and the band Go-Go's also entered the rock pantheon.
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