33 Comments

This is fantastic! I love your analysis of Pres. Obama and how music influences him. It is always so enjoyable to see the way he ties music in with anything he does, and you as well! ;) A really great read for Friday

Expand full comment

So glad President Obama shares his love of music with all of us. Just like you do with your audience. We have learned so much about the hip hop/rap genre from you, which has been a very interesting musical lesson. Saw your appearance on the Breakfast Club. It was really fun, and Charlamagne did point out how you quote Jay Z the most. I thought is was Drake. Either way, your quotes do make sense, and are thought provoking. Thanks Ari!!! Have a safe weekend!!!🎼🎹🎤

Expand full comment

It's pretty close. He's just been quoting Jay Z for longer. Like back when he was a recurring guest on Lawrence's show. But the Drake quotes are climbing for sure. 🙂

Expand full comment

President Obama bridged the gap between Hip-Hop & politics. He embraced hip hop more than any of his predecessors. He referenced Jay Z's lyrics and Kanye West in speeches and released playlists on Spotify that included Nas ,Chance the Rapper, Mos Def and Method Man. President Obama paved the way for several rap stars to enter the White House for political discussion and music performances. Rather you realize it or not President Obama has a very nice singing voice.

Expand full comment

Spot on as usual. I love how you blend current rap And current events. I love to watch you on Your show have a great weekend

Expand full comment

I like checking out President Obama’s music playlist when it is posted on social media. He has an interesting and eclectic music taste😁

Ari, yes! You do cite/ quote Jay-Z lyrics a lot on The Beat and I always enjoy your analysis after quoting Jay-Z😃 The only thing left is for you and The Beat team to invite Jay-Z to the show and interview him and you can tell him how much you love his music…that will be epic and I will definitely tune for that🤩😃😄

Ari, have a nice and lovely weekend😃 Cheers🥂🍾

Expand full comment

I'm not sure Ari will get through that interview. He'll probably cry. Lol I'm kidding, I'm looking forward to that day also. Really hoping Jay Z will take him up on it. 🙂

Expand full comment

Yes indeed👏🏽 Ari will be so excited😃

Expand full comment

Like, why wouldn't you quote Jay-Z the most? He's a master at his craft.

Expand full comment

Hl Ari. knew Obama was cool because he was good at the hoops.. I did not know about his appreciation of -Za.y. Super Cool Guy!

Expand full comment

I just love this newsletter. It fills my heart and soul. Anne

Expand full comment

I feel you Ari when it comes to Jay Z.

What we talking About-Sony by Jay Z

So many layers - many identify with.

He is a blessing for Hip Hoo🙏

Expand full comment

Ari, I was okay with President Obama having the last word, but since you gave us another two cents, I’ll add one. You DO cite Jay-Z more, and I feel, as you do, about his work. It took me a while to get past some lyrics, but my son would say, “LISTEN!”

Expand full comment

Thank you for fun news about our fav President. What would the world be like without music?

Expand full comment

Yes!!!🎤🎹🎼

Expand full comment

I am that person who looks forward to his annual and summer playlist. I find a lot of new music from him and often add them to my own playlist. Because Obama is such a deep spirit, and it feels like he crafted his playlist to tell a story. Of course some are just there because he likes them. The friendship between Obama and Jay Z has always been dope. I'm curious what his favorite Jay Z song is and what yours is and why?

The John Oliver piece is hilarious. It's an honor because he must really watch a lot of you to know who your favorite artist to quote is. Just saying.

Expand full comment

Dating a retired police officer from Palm Springs who thinks rap is not music…his education begins. Thanks JZ, Obama and Ari.

Expand full comment

Very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to tell us more about the connection between Obama and Jay Z! Missed seeing you the last two days..enjoy your time away! Rap on!

Expand full comment

I would have said you quote and refer to Drake more but I’m probably wrong. Maybe it close to even?? Have a good weekend.

Expand full comment

Ari I JUST discovered this forum, after I watched your MSNBC THE BEAT & had no way to reach you for say, (how I couldn't wait to view the next days show)! Of course there was/is, I just wasn't aware!

The other thing I was wondering (already discussed), was how-the-heck does this man know so much about ALL kinds of rap/hip-hop? Then with out blinking, rattles-off all kinds of artists

names etc. ....HE'S BLOODY BRILLIANT I thought!

(Oh! did I say I'm originally from the U.K. where the "B+B" exclamation derives from).........

Now I see where it comes from, President Obama, who knew? Apparently EVERYONE who's comments I took the time to read, this past week!

I'm sooooooooooo glad I (finally) found this site. Makes me VERY HAPPY & I thought I'd say so, as I continue along this path! What a change intelligent people make in this world!

Expand full comment