Eminem joined the Democratic campaign trail tonight (October 22) to introduce former President Barack Obama at a Kamala Harris rally in Detroit. Eminem, a vocal critic of Vice President Harris’ opponent in the presidential race, took the stage to his 2010 single “Not Afraid,” but rather than performing, addressed the assembled crowd: “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.”
It was Obama, in fact, who ended up providing the evening’s entertainment. After being introduced by the rapper, he admitted, “I have done a lot of rallies, so I don’t usually get nervous, but I was feeling some kinda way following Eminem.” The former president then launched into the first verse of “Lose Yourself” to thunderous applause. Watch footage from the event below.
This appearance comes on the eve of the When We Vote We Win series, which Bruce Springsteen will headline, starting in Atlanta this Thursday, October 24. A second event, in Philadelphia, will follow on October 28. More will be announced in the coming days, according to Rolling Stone. Springsteen shot an endorsement video for Harris earlier this month. Eminem, meanwhile, supported the Joe Biden–Kamala Harris ticket back in 2020.
The 2024 U.S. elections are on Tuesday, November 5. Make your plan to vote at https://weall.vote/pitchfork.
This article was originally published on Tuesday, October 22, at 12:54 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. It was last updated on October 22 at 10:34 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
