Obama introduces Jay Z in Songwriters Hall of Fame induction

by Jacqueline Thomsen - 06/16/17 8:00 AM ET

Former President Barack Obama introduced Jay Z during the rapper’s induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame Thursday.

Obama filmed an introduction celebrating Jay Z, who is the first rapper or hip hop artist to be inducted. Jay Z did not attend likely because his wife, Beyoncé, is expected to give birth to the couple’s twins soon.

Obama said that he and the rapper “understand each other,” and that one thing they have in common is other people didn’t expect them to be successful when they were young men.

{mosads}”We know what it’s like not to have a father around. We know what it’s like not to come from much, and to know people who didn’t get the same breaks that we did,” Obama said. “So we try to prop open those doors of opportunity so that it’s a little easier for those who come up behind us to succeed as well.”

Obama also referenced Beyoncé and the couple’s children in the video.

“Let’s face it, we both have wives who are significantly more popular than we are,” Obama said, adding that Jay Z’s failed retirement is “inspiring in making me want to be active in my retirement.”

Jay Z gave a shout-out to Obama on Twitter Thursday, writing, “And the greatest rapper of all time OBAMA. Thank you 44.”