First Lady Michelle Obama partnered with "Saturday Night Live" star Jay Pharoah for the "Got to College" music video, filmed through the White House and released by CollegeHumor on Thursday. The video is part of Obama's "Better Make Room" initiative, targeted at young adults between the ages of 14-19 to encourage them to think about pursuing a college education. The campaign helps students register for the SAT and ACT, visit campuses and provides assistance in filling out financial aid forms.
"If you wanna fly jets, you should go to college. Reach high and cash checks? Fill your head with knowledge," Obama raps in the video, walking out of the White House, sporting oversized shades. Watch the video below.
"When I launched my Better Make Room campaign in October, I said that this campaign is about celebrating students the same way we celebrate athletes and celebrities. I want to honor and empower young people who are working hard in school and pursuing their dreams - and I want to do it in a fun and fresh way - and that's why I was so excited to film this 'music video' with Jay Pharoah, CollegeHumor, and the Gregory Brothers," Obama said in a statement, according to CNN.
"Teaming up with CollegeHumor and First Lady Michelle Obama to spread the important message behind 'Better Make Room' is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It's like working at SNL or becoming the president - which WILL happen in my lifetime (Kanye voice)!!!" said Pharaoh in a statement, reports CNN.
The Gregory Brothers, a self-described "country and soul, folk and roll" band, worked to create music for the video.
"South Side Chicago, we all know, we had to do overtime every night to make it to tomorrow. And everyone could really make their dream come true. Hey kid listening in Michigan, this could be you," sings Obama, in an apparent reference to her and the President's days in Chicago, reports ABC News.
"I think the country will join me in saying, 'Mrs. Obama, we think you should cut an album,'" said Sam Reich, CollegeHumor's head of video, in a statement, reports NBC News.
