Barack Obama, 59, has opened up about his love for Rihanna‘s music — and we’re seriously impressed! The former POTUS sat down with Jimmy Fallon for the December 4 episode of The Tonight Show and the TV host recalled a ‘Slow Jam the News’ segment from Barack’s 2016 visit. Jimmy wanted the politician to “stiffly” sing the chorus to Rihanna’s hit song “Work” but Barack insisted on singing it in a looser fashion, much to the relief of Jimmy. “Are you saying that that would have affected my legacy?” the A Promised Land author asked jokingly. “Because that is a jam, and I know that jam well, so I’m a little insulted that you didn’t think I could pull it off.”
The former leader of the free world explained that he respects young people, like his daughter Malia, 22, and Sasha, 19, who listen to a wide variety of music genres. “They don’t think in terms of categories,” he said, noting that Sasha listens to artists like 2 Chainz, Elvis Presley, and Drake. “My year-end playlists, those are the fresh cuts. And there, I will confess that I do consult with Malia and Sasha throughout the year,” he continued. “I’m constantly listening, you know, to their music. Sometimes by request and sometimes, just because that’s just what’s blaring in the house … I pick up on some trends.”
Earlier in the week, Barack gave Canadian rapper Drake, 34, the tick of approval to portray him in a biopic. “I will say this — Drake seems to to be able to do anything he wants. That’s a talented, talented brother. If the time comes and he’s ready, you know…,” Barack said in an interview with Complex magazine. Jimmy then asked the former President whether he would give Drake any tips for an accurate portrayal. Apparently, based on all the people who do imitations of me, the key is to talk really slowly,” Barack said.