Chance the Rapper has long been recognized as one of the most important voices in hip-hop right now. This past weekend in his hometown of Chicago, he not only brought some superstar talent on-stage with him, but he earned some props from a former President of the United States.
First, the show itself followed the Bud Billiken Parade, during which he was the Grand Marshall. After the parade was done, he held a special free concert that surprised and wow'ed fans with the special performers he was able to bring out. Future, a rapper who has enjoyed quite the year so far himself following two massive album releases, was on hand to spit the bars of his now-classic track "Mask Off," while Jeremih also lent a hand in the musical proceedings.
Even with all of this in mind, perhaps the most important part of the show was during one of the non-music moments, when a special video message from former President Barack Obama played for those in attendance, thanking Chance for all he's done not only as a humanitarian but as a Chicagoan. According to Pitchfork, Chance also used the opportunity to donate 30,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to area students who were at the parade, in conjunction with his youth empowerment charity SocialWorks.
You watch video highlights from Future's, Jeremih's and Obama's appearances at the event below.