Michelle Obama Appears in New Rap Video Promoting Healthy Eating

Michelle Obama's Rap Album Is Kind of Embarrassing (Daily Beast)

When Michelle Obama launched her signature initiative, the Let’s Move! campaign, during her first term as First Lady, it was none other than Beyoncé who recorded a song and filmed a music video to help her promote it. The good old days.

It was announced Tuesday that Michelle is “releasing” an album to promote her Let’s Move! campaign. And none other than…Monifah is taking part. And Doug E. Fresh. And Ashanti. Not only is there no Beyoncé, but there’s no artist even approaching the A-list level we’ve come to expect from the Obamas’ music initiatives—Aretha Franklin performing the National Anthem, Paul McCartney playing at the White House, Alicia Keys belting “Obama’s on Fire” at the Inaugural Ball—on the album’s track list. In fact, the level of talent is kind of embarrassing.

Mrs. Obama “releasing” an album is a bit misleading. The right word is “curating” or “sponsoring” the album. Called Songs for a Healthier America, the album features 19 songs by a range of hip-hop and R&B artists. Some of the artists you’ve never heard of: Los Barkers, The Happiness Club, Babi Floyd. Some of the artists you’ve heard of…like, years ago: Jordin Sparks, Ashanti, Run DMC.