Obama Says Kanye West is 'Very Talented' But Still a 'Jackass'

Kanye West attends the Givenchy Menswear Autumn/Winter 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/Getty Images) (Julien Hekimian/Getty Images)

 

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President Barack Obama has told The Atlantic he prefers Jay-Z over Kanye West, who he called "very talented" but still "a jackass."

Obama memorably dubbed West a jackass in September 2009 after the hip-hop superstar's notorious and rambling interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at that year's MTV Video Music Awards.

"I like Kanye," Obama told The Atlantic's David Samuels at a political fundraiser in New York City. "He's a Chicago guy. Smart. He's very talented."

"Even though you called him a jackass?" Samuels asked.

"He  is a jackass," Obama replied." But he's talented."

The president has previously said that he has Jay-Z on his iPod, as well as Frank Sinatra, and opera legend Maria Callas. But no Justin Bieber.

Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

Kanye West attends the Givenchy Menswear... View Full Size

Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

Kanye West attends the Givenchy Menswear Autumn/Winter 2013 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 2012 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/Getty Images)

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