The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama's controversial pastor and friend, gave a widely criticized speech yesterday on Black Liberation Theology, patriotism, and his relationship with Barack Obama. Obama gave a press conference of his own today, saying he's "outraged" at Rev. Wright's "appalling" comments. He emphasized that Rev. Wright was never his "spiritual advisor," though the pastor married the Senator and his wife and prayed with them the day Obama announced his presidential candidacy.

Some are calling this drama Obama's Kerry-esque "swift-boating;" Seattlest checked in with two local hiphop artists who have been following the news to get their take on Wright's relationship with Obama.

Thig Natural, of The Physics: "[Wright's] comments have allowed some of the attention to fall on Wright himself and not Obama. Whereas before you had people calling for Obama to defend and clarify statements made by Wright, now you have Wright to talk for himself. Of course, there are people who will use this as an opportunity to bring this whole topic back into the limelight as a way of proving that Obama is a bad person; but I think Wright's statements and even slight criticism of Obama have made it easier for people to make that distinction and separation between Obama and Wright."

Wizdom: "Obama has addressed that speech appropriately and diligently. I feel that it is important he does address it because it has a major role in not just our community, but the future of Government. For him to possibly be the first black president, he understands the importance and signifigance and speaks appropriately on this topic. No matter who wins the Democratic election, Billary or Obama, either way it is a landmark for America and American politics. And to be honest, I don't really like any politicians. I just think some are less corrupt than others."

Seattlest's take? Obama's walking on thin ice. The Clintons are known for their resilient political health, and this race—though we've been excited to call it for Obama for several weeks now—could still potentially swing back in Clinton's favor. Still, this afternoon's press conference was reassuring: Obama is handling a delicate situation with skill and grace. We like that in a presidential candidate.