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Q-Tip Suggests President Obama Is Mistaken About Kanye West

Rapper Q-Tip attends the BAM 150th Anniversary gala at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House on April 12, 2012 in New York City.
Mr. Tip at BAM last night. Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

The first time President Obama called Kanye West a jackass, in the aftermath of the infamous Taylor Swift Incident of 2009, it was at least supposed to be a private dis; after an interview, he apparently didn’t know his mic was on, and the comment went viral. But back in January, Obama doubled down on the assessment, insisting to Atlantic writer David Samuels, He is a jackass.” One person who disagrees? Q-Tip, who announced this week he’ll release his forthcoming album, The Last Zulu, on Kanye’s label, G.O.O.D. Music. Kanye’s not a jackass — that’s my boy, I know him,” Q-Tip, looking dapper in a bowtie and plaid jacket, told Daily Intel at BAM’s 150th Anniversary last night. So why would Obama say such a thing? Q-Tip has a theory. “I guess the President is basing his comments on something I’m not aware of. Maybe Kanye beat him in dice and he’s mad.”

Q-Tip Weighs in on Kanye-Obama Feud