Michelle Obama has caused controversy with her inviting of a rapper who has previously rapped about threatening to shoot police and to burn George W Bush.

Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jnr, who goes by his rap name of Common had been invited to take part in an Evening of Poetry at the White House.

In one of the tracks by Common, A Letter to the Law, he says: “Burn a Bush cos for peace he no push no button, killing over oil and grease, no weapons of destruction”

Sarah Palin has shown her distaste at the choice of artist attending the event by posting a story about the rapper on the Daily Caller website where she comments: “Oh, lovely White House.”

Common hails from the home home city of Michelle Obama, Chicago and seems to be taking the controversy in his stride.

Common tweeted in response to the Palin comments: “So apparently Sarah Palin and Fox News doesn't like me.”

The rapper was a strong supporter of Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign and is a devoted Christian, sharing the same pastor as the Obama family the Rev Jeremiah Wright.

Common is also an award winning artist in his own right and has been the winner of two Grammy Awards while has also been nominated for nine other Grammy's in the past.

Movie buffs may also recognise him from his performances in American Gangster, Date Night and Terminator Salvation.