It’s no secret that former President Jimmy Carter was a big music lover.
He was the “rock ‘n’ roll president.” One of his first orders of business after moving into the White House was to install a quality sound system so he could listen to classical music. His 100th birthday celebration featured musicians ranging from rockers like the B-52s and country singer Maren Morris, to soul singer India Arie and deejay/producer D-Nice.
Though the 39th president loved jazz music — which preceded and inspired rap music — he might not have had Gucci Mane or Quavo in his music library. That didn’t keep those exact Atlanta-based hip-hop stars, and others around the country, from name-dropping Carter.
After news of his passing at age 100 on Dec. 29, artists like Killer Mike shared condolences on social media.
Carter’s Georgia roots, heroism, and discussions on race have served as muses for many hip-hop lyricists.
New Orleans rapper Lil’ Wayne — born Dwayne Carter — incorporates clips from Jimmy Carter’s inauguration speech into his 2011 song, “President Carter.” Even Jimmy Carter Boulevard, the Gwinnett County road named in his honor, gets a lot of love on tracks.
Respect for Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy spanned generations in hip-hop. Here’s a few examples of how Jimmy Carter will be immortalized in raps.
Bubba Sparxxx — “Nowhere” (2003)
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC
Bubba Sparxxx never shied away from embracing his working-class roots, and celebrating locals he felt spoke for the people. The LaGrange rapper’s deep drawl touches on Southerners’ admiration for Jimmy — despite an inferred lack of civic engagement — might be the strongest song from Sparxxx’s best album, “Deliverance.”
“Let’s these cats amuse you with comical depictions/But where I’m from being broke’s no honorable affliction/Love some Jimmy Carter, but we never even voted.”
Lupe Fiasco — “Just Might Be Ok” (2006)
Credit: Steve Ruark / AP
Credit: Steve Ruark / AP
This gem from the Chicago emcee’s debut album “Food and Liquor” mentions Carter for his work in providing housing to those in need. He makes a direct link to Jimmy Carter’s work Habitat for Humanity, and home improvement TV host Bob Vila even catches a stray shoutout.
“A two-family Habitat For Humanity/With a view of where the insanity live/My vida loca was built like Bob Vila via God/He architected, I authored what I harbored, Jimmy Carter from Chicago’s West Side.”
David Banner and 9th Wonder — “Something Is Wrong” (2010)
Mississippi’s rapper and activist David Banner partnered with the legendary North Carolina music producer for the collaborative album “Death of a Pop Star.” On the song, Banner opens the second verse by drawing attention to Jimmy Carter’s famous quote, “The time for racial discrimination is over,” from his 1971 inauguration speech.
“Mr. President, you know that some people still racist?/Jimmy Carter said it, you didn’t have to underplay it.”
Gucci Mane — “Picture That” (2013)
Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com
If there’s one thing Gucci Mane is going to do it’s continue to be a master of braggadocio. “Big Guwop” likens himself to his home state’s only man to call himself commander in chief.
“Down-South president like Jimmy Carter from Georgia/Hundred-thousand-dollar Charger parked at my headquarters.”
JID — “Off da Zoinkys” (2018)
Credit: AJC
Credit: AJC
At the end of this song about the ills of hard-core drug abuse, featured on JID’s album “DiCaprio 2,” the emcee is a having conversation with an older man. The latter is discussing the differences between Jimmy Carter and former President Ronald Reagan. The man questions whether Jimmy Carter’s longevity in life can be traced to his policies as president.
“Carter still here/‘cause he got an open heart/He never do war, when he was president/He never hurt nobody, he help people.”
CyHi — “A-Town” (2012)
On this ode to Atlanta the underrated Stone Mountain wordsmith gets an assist from fellow metro ATLiens Travis Porter and B.o.B., but it’s CyHi’s verse that nods to Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
“From Godby to Jimmy Carter/From Baker Road to L-Town/This is where I made a lot of money.”
nobigdyl. — “Indie” (2013)
The Christian rap artist from Nashville alludes to Jimmy Carter’s affiliation with the Democratic Party while also throwing in a Pokémon reference.
“Two Charizards eating flamers in a charter van/You and you’re crew are bluer than Jimmy Carter and I just heard my verses gettin’ published by Zondervan.”
B.o.B — “Mission Statement” (2014)
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
This track actually kicks off with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1933 inauguration speech, but the Carter reference comes in on the second verse. Here, B.o.B talks about Jimmy Carter’s willingness to embrace and overcome challenges, often defying traditional logic or thought.
“I make vodka from water/Kinda’ like Jimmy Carter, just a little bit darker.”
“Wiz Khalifa ft. 24hrs” — “Dreams” (2021)
“Taylor Nights,” a mixtape showcasing Wiz Khalifa’s label and members of his collective, features this track with Atlanta rapper 24hrs.
“I just poured a Four [Loko] in a pineapple soda/Jimmy Carter, ATL, we used to run the big door.”
Quavo — “Himothy” (2024)
Credit: Hyosub.Shin / ajc.com
Credit: Hyosub.Shin / ajc.com
The Migos’ rapper doesn’t hold back on this snarling cut from early 2024. If there’s anyone who likes showing love to local landmarks, sports and political icons, it’s Quavo.
“I’m the Northside Shawn Carter/I didn’t take MARTA/’Cause it didn’t go to Jimmy Carter.”
Become a member of UATL for more stories like this in our free newsletter and other membership benefits.
Follow UATL on Facebook, on X, TikTok and Instagram.
About the Author
