Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe spent their Fourth of July at the White House.
The musical duo joined President Barack Obama during a special concert for veterans. Moved indoors due to inclement weather, the show featured a set from K-Dot that spanned the last five years of his career, including “A.D.H.D.,” “Money Trees,” and “Alright.”
“I got a few people who’ve been rocking with me for awhile,” he said at one point, before celebrating section.80’s 5-year-anniversary with cuts from the project. At the end of his set, he honored the veterans in attendance with a message of gratitude. “I love y’all,” he said. “I really appreciate y’all.”
Meanwhile, Janelle Monáe was also ready to rock. After performing “Tightrope,” the genre-bending star delivered a tribute to the Purple One.
“I want to acknowledge a musical hero,” she said, “a mentor, and somebody who’s opened the doors for artists such as myself.” Then, she performed Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” “Make some noise if you believe in magic,” she added. “Scream for Prince.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKqIhVHHMQ
Obama capped the night off with some kind words about K-Dot and Janelle, bringing them onstage, and celebrating their efforts in and out of music. He also thanked the “incredible men and women in uniform and their families who look out for us every single day.”
But the proud dad wasn’t finished. Finally, with K-Dot and Monáe by his side, the POTUS led the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to his eldest daughter Malia, who turned 18 on the Fourth of July.