Over the course of the past eight years, Barack Obama has put a presidential spotlight on hip-hop that prior to his time his office, was pretty much non-existent. His love for rap music has been a reoccurring theme throughout his presidency and a joy to all the hip-hop heads over the world. His ties with the culture have made the news over and over again. His admiration for hip-hop music is truly appreciated.

Early on in his presidency, Obama was constantly seen with Jay-Z but their bromance kicked off way before that. In April of 2008, while still fighting to win the title of president, during a speech in Pennsylvania, Obama referenced Jay's 2003 hit "Dirt Off Your Shoulders."

That move instantly won the hearts of all the hip-hop heads and obviously Jay Z. By November of that year, Obama had won a top notch rapper supporter. "I can't tell you who to vote for. All I can do is tell you to vote on Nov. 4, the most important election that will happen probably in your lifetime," Jay said of the election. "Rosa Parks sat so that Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so that Obama could run. Obama's running so that we all can fly ... I can't wait until Nov. 5 and I'm going to say: 'Hello, Brother President.'"

From there, the relationship developed and Jay along with Beyonce, attended the 2013 Inauguration. Bey later performed at the inaugural ball. All these years later, it was even reported that Jay received an invite to the President's recent 55th birthday party.

Obama has also seemingly developed a strong relationship with Kendrick Lamar in the last year. Last December, Barack deemed Kendrick Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost?” as his favorite song of 2015. In January, Lamar released a mentorship PSA alongside the President which included footage of the rapper at the White House. K Dot then performed at Malia Obama's birthday party on the fourth of July and was invited to the actual President's B-Day festivities in August.

Throughout his two terms we've seen a bunch of other rappers with Obama, as well as the president making favoring remarks respectively. There have even been rap songs in Obama's honor. Remember Young Jeezy's "My President"? Check out some of Obama's best hip-hop moments over the years below.

  • 1

    President Obama Reference's "Dirt Off Your Shoulders" (2008)

  • 2

    When President Obama Asks “Where are Biggie and Tupac?” (2011)

  • 3

    Kendrick Lamar's Mentorship PSA (2016)

  • 4

    When Kendrick Lamar Performed at Malia Obama's Birthday on the Fourth of July (2016)

  • 5

    When Chance the Rapper, J. Cole and Other Rappers Attended the White House (2016)

  • 6

    When the President Said He Loves J. Cole's Music (2016)

  • 7

    When President Obama Freestyled With ‘Hamilton’ Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda (2016)

  • 8

    When President Obama Says Kendrick Lamar Would Win a Battle with Drake (2016)

  • 9

    When President Obama Commented on Kanye's 2020 Presidential Campaign Announcement (2015)

  • 10

    When Jay Z Attended the Presidential Inauguration (2013)

  • 11

    When Big Sean Performed at the White House For the Easter Egg Roll (2014)

  • 12

    When Common Performed Poetry at the White House (2011)

  • 13

    When President Obama Danced to Drake’s “Hotline Bling”

  • 14

    When President Obama Jammed to Eminem's "Lose Yourself"

  • 15

    When President Obama said Kendrick Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost?” Was His Favorite Song of 2015

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