President Obama celebrates Independence Day with Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe

By Danette Chavez  |  July 5, 2016 | 6:38pm
Aux Features Music
President Obama celebrates Independence Day with Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe

President Obama threw his final Independence Day party at the White House yesterday, and he invited Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe to mark the occasion. The guest list included White House staff and members of the military, the latter of which the President thanked for their service in a moving speech about just this “unique” country of ours.

The President also said that a lot of work remains to be done, and asked attendees and viewers to recommit to improving conditions for the country’s children, veterans, and indigent. But before leaving the stage (and Oval Office), President Obama took the opportunity to embarrass—that is, serenade—his eldest daughter, Malia, on her birthday.

Having already used his commander in chief powers to meet Lamar—who happens to be his favorite rapper—back in January, the President asked the To Pimp A Butterfly artist to perform for the Fourth Of July crowd. Lamar dutifully offered a medley of his hits, including “Poetic Justice” but not the President’s favorite song of last year, “How Much A Dollar Cost.”

Monáe belted out her hit, “Tightrope,” with some backup singers, before paying tribute to Prince. The Electric Lady artist launched into a cover of “Let’s Go Crazy” after acknowledging the late icon’s far-reaching influence.

[via USA Today]

 
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