Eminem made a surprise appearance at a Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign rally in Detroit, Michigan, introducing former President Barack Obama to a cheering crowd.
The rapper took the stage after speeches from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Michigan Senate contender Elissa Slotkin, Detroit City Councilperson Mary Sheffield, and Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow. Eminem’s brief speech emphasized the importance of voting and protecting democratic freedoms.
“Detroit! What up doe!” Eminem exclaimed, emerging to his 2010 hit single “Not Afraid.” “Look, I wrote down a few things I wanted to say. I’m here tonight for a couple of important reasons. As most of you know, the city of Detroit and the whole state of Michigan mean a lot to me. And going into this election, the spotlight is on us more than ever, and I think it’s important to use your voice, so I’m encouraging everybody to get out and vote, please. I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution, or what people will do if you make your opinion known. I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld. And here to tell you much more about that, President Barack Obama.”
Obama himself arrived to Eminem’s iconic track “Lose Yourself,” rapping along to the opening bars. “I was feeling some kind of way following Eminem,” Obama joked, reciting the opening verse. “I thought Eminem was going to be performing, I was going to jump out. Love me some Eminem.”
Eminem’s endorsement of Harris and the Democratic ticket comes as no surprise. He previously supported Joe Biden-Harris in 2020, featuring his song “Lose Yourself” in a campaign ad. Eminem has been vocal in his criticism of former President Donald Trump and the Republican party, calling Trump a “racist” and accusing him of “brainwashing” his supporters.
His opposition extends beyond Trump. Last year, Eminem sent a letter to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy demanding he stop using his music after Ramaswamy performed “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair. Eminem’s political activism dates back to 2004, when he criticized George W. Bush’s handling of the Iraq War in his song “Mosh.”
Eminem’s appearance follows news that Bruce Springsteen will be performing at Harris rallies in Georgia and Pennsylvania. These events, part of the “When We Vote We Win” campaign, aim to mobilize voters in key battleground states.
As the election nears, Harris and Trump remain neck-and-neck in five crucial battleground states, according to the New York Times polling average. These states—Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and North Carolina—will likely determine the outcome of the presidential race.
Eminem’s recent public appearances have been sporadic, marked by the release of his latest album, “The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce),” in July. He recently revealed he’s becoming a grandfather in the music video for “Temporary.”
With the election approaching, every vote counts. Make your voice heard and participate in shaping the future of our nation.