Kendrick Lamar + Janelle Monae Rock the White House on the 4th of July
The White House was lit on Monday, July 4 — and we're not just talking about the fireworks.
President Obama hosted his final annual Fourth of July party yesterday, where he invited special guests Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae to perform.
What was initially meant to be a BBQ on the South Lawn was moved indoors into the White House East Room, as an unpatriotic bout of inclement weather quickly put the kibosh on any outdoor activities. The concert was also moved inside, with the rapper kicking off the event with hits including "Swimming Pools," "B***h, Don't Kill My Vibe" — a censored version, we'd suspect — and "Alright."
Later, Monae also performed an assortment of her own songs, and eventually closed with a crowd-rousing cover of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy."
"I want to acknowledge a musical hero, a mentor and somebody who has the opened doors for artists such as myself," the experimental R&B artist said right before launching into the 1984 track.
"This person was a constant giver, always trying to change the wold," she added. "And with that, I'm forever grateful. We love you Prince."
Afterwards, Obama thanked the two performers and gave them his seal of approval, touting their social-mindedess and cause-related humanitarian efforts.
"I have to tell you that these two I've gotten a chance to know, and they are both amazing artists and talented and popular and doing great things, but they're also very conscious about their responsibilities and obligations," he explained. "And they put in a lot of time and effort on behalf of a lot of causes that are important. We're really proud of them for that."
In addition to performing their own sets, both Lamar and Monae joined the President for a sweet serenade to celebrate his daughter Malia's 18th birthday. Watch the three sing "Happy Birthday," below:
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