Released 15 October 2012 Genre Rap battle Label Maker Studios | Format Streaming Length 3:08 | |
 | ||
Writer(s) Peter Shukoff, Lloyd Ahlquist | ||
"Barack Obama vs. Mitt Romney" is a song and music video, performed by Iman Crosson, Peter "Nice Peter" Shukoff, and Lloyd "EpicLLOYD" Ahlquist. It is the 8th episode of the 2nd season of the YouTube video series Epic Rap Battles of History. The video was released on 15 October 2012 on the show's YouTube channel in anticipation of the 2012 US presidential election.
Contents
Music video
The video features President of the United States Barack Obama (portrayed by Iman Crosson) and former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney (portrayed by Lloyd Ahlquist) facing off in a rap battle. Following four back-and-forth verses, President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by Peter Shukoff) interrupts the two and begins rapping against both Obama and Romney.
As of March 2016, the video has received over 120 million views on YouTube.
Reception
The video was one of the most popular viral videos of 2012 and was discussed in a New York Times article.
Awards and nominations
The video was nominated for "Video of the Year" at the 2013 YouTube Music Awards.
Certifications
In July 2013, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA, making ERB the first YouTube channel to do so.
Since May 2013 RIAA certifications for digital singles include on-demand audio and/or video song streams in addition to downloads.