Frank Ocean and Chance the Rapper joined the likes of Gwen Stefani and Jerry Seinfeld at President Barack Obama’s last White House State Dinner last night. The invite only, black-tie event is held annually by at the White House, and marked the final gathering that Barack and Michelle Obama would host.
Both Ocean and Chance released long-awaited and critically acclaimed albums this year in the forms of Blonde and Coloring Book, and each artist brought along a parent to the dinner as a guest too. Both Ocean and Chance released long-awaited and critically acclaimed albums this year in the forms of Blonde and Coloring Book, and each artist brought along a parent to the dinner as a guest too.
Ocean- who caught the eye by turning up to the dinner wearing black and white checkerboard print Vans- brought along his mother, Katonya Breaux, who excitedly tweeted during the evening “I am so blessed to have a son that includes me in his once in a lifetime events!!! I just hugged our First Lady!!!!”
Chance, meanwhile, brought along his father, Ken Bennett, who was previously an aide to the former mayor of Chicago Harold Washington, where he also worked with the then-senator Obama. Chance tweeted prior to the event to thank his father for raising him so well, to the point that they could enjoy such an evening.
Thanks Dad for raising me right. Look at us all fancy for the White House. I ain’t even wearing a hat tonight #BlackBoyJoypic.twitter.com/cCnHJL9EFP
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) October 18, 2016
Chance also spoke to reporters about the thing he was looking forward to most about the State Dinner: namely to conitnue the “Recurring dance battle that me and the President have had going on for a few years.”
When questioned further about the current winner of the battle, Chance confidently that he was”very high in the polls […] I’m just a great dancer. I have the fit, I have the build, I take it very seriously.”