Barack Obama delivered a special message for Chance the Rapper and Chicago

"I felt obliged to say congratulations to you for being a grand marshal."
Barack Obama delivered a special message for Chance the Rapper and Chicago
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 02: Chance The Rapper performs onstage during the 2017 Governors Ball Music Festival - Day 1 at Randall's Island on June 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images) Credit: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Chicago's annual Bud Billiken Parade was extra special this year.

The Windy City's golden boy Chance the Rapper was in attendance at the largest African American parade in the United States as the grand marshal—and surprised the city with a free concert. Future and Jeremiah joined him on stage, but it was Barack Obama's emergence from his private life that was the highlight of the evening.

In a video captured by a fan, Obama is seen speaking to Chance and the city of Chicago, congratulating the rapper on being a grand marshal at this year's parade.

"I felt obliged to say congratulations to you for being a grand marshal," the former president said, explaining he held that title previously and ended up becoming president. "You never know what might happen," Obama said. "The Bud Billiken Parade stands for so much of what the community is about," he continued, encouraging the communities in attendance and Chance himself.

Despite the fact everyone wants Chance to get political, he's not into the idea.

“I would never run for any office or government position,” he told Ebony. “I’m not into it. I think politics is a reason why a lot of stuff doesn’t get done. There’s a lot of favors, and a lot of people are held back by their intentions of being re-elected or the things that they owe their party or constituents. I think when you’re in my position as an artist, I can say what I want and talk about the issues that matter.”

In addition to throwing the free surprise show, Chance and his non-profit Social Works delivered 30,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for children over the weekend. This comes after the organization and rapper began a fundraiser for Chicago Public Schools and donated millions to improve the education for young people in the city.

Mashable Potato

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