T.I. Writes Heartfelt Farewell Letter to President Barack Obama: ‘You Shook Up and Woke Up a Generation’

On Jan. 20, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, will exit the White House after eight years of presidential service. For many, it will be a tearful moment as the nation prepares for a new four-year term under President-elect Donald Trump.

Rapper T.I. understands the enormity of the situation and penned a heartfelt letter to President Obama, which was posted on the New York Times website along with a recorded reading.

In the letter to Obama, Tip salutes Obama for his great work during his presidency. “As I reflect, I am filled with gratitude, outrage, grief, anger, humility and appreciation, both for the things you helped bring to light and the many things we still have yet to realize,” he writes.

Although the Atlanta rhymer gives props to the President for fighting against hatred and inequality during his term, he’s vows that U.S. citizens will continue the fight as we enter a new regime under Trump’s presidency.

“But rest assured that we heard you. Rest assured that we felt you and rest assured that your legacy will live on long after your presidency,” he writes. “Not only did you impact a nation, but you defined a culture and you shook up and woke up a generation.”

T.I. wraps the letter up by extending his gratitude to President Obama and his family. “We will forever be grateful to you and your family, the graceful intelligent compassionate first lady, Mrs. Obama, as well as your beautiful daughters Sasha and Malia for their collective sacrifices for US,” he writes. “WE will continue to stand with you and alongside those who make a personal investment in US. We will continue to remain committed to causes that are bigger than ourselves. We will continue to remind ourselves that, Yes, We still can!”
​
You can read T.I.’s entire letter at nytimes.com.

---