Wale Performs at Obama's Final State of the Union

Wale made history, becoming the first rapper to open a State of the Union address on Tuesday (Jan. 12). Before President Barack Obama took the podium for his final State of the Union, “D.C.’s prodigal son” took the stage at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Following an introduction from Terrence J, Wale warmed up the crowd with a medley of hits including 2009’s Lady Gaga-assisted “Chillin,” “The White Shoes,” and “LoveHate Thing” at the personal request of Obama (“This one for you, Barack”).

Wale was humbled by the honor. “The leader of the free world having a rapper in the White House. God bless him. Hip-hop forever,” he said.

At the end of the performance, he also revealed that his fifth album will be called Shine and is due this year.

Wale previously visited the White House over the summer to perform at First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Reach Higher” initiative, and was in attendance for Obama’s gun control announcement earlier this month.

Watch him meet up with Vice President Joe Biden below.