Common and Patti LaBelle enter the ring with new attitudes : NPR

The NPR Network will be covering the Democratic National Convention live from Chicago throughout the week.

Patti LaBelle and Common will provide background music for the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention with a performance that spans generations and genres.

The Chicago South rapper got the crowd going on the second night of the convention center with his 2024 song “Fortunate.” The lyrics are laced with messages about Vice President Kamala Harris, and gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds helps out on the chorus. “I thank God for this moment that Kamala Harris is changing the world for the better with love and hope and kindness,” the rapper and activist proclaimed.

The Grammy- and Oscar-winning rap star is no stranger to Democrats and the White House: In 2016, “The People” narrator made history by hosting the first and only Tiny Desk concert inside the mansion.

In case you missed it: Here’s who showed up (and who dropped out) on the first day of the DNC

Patti LaBelle also took to the stage and was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd. After more than six decades of professional singing, the “New Attitude” singer performed her 1978 ballad “You Are My Friend” during the in memoriam section of the night. The living legend belted out the lyrics with force, evoking emotion in the crowd and reminding fans why she is known by contemporaries and critics alike as the “Godmother of Soul.” LaBelle’s performance came 20 years after she last performed at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, where she captivated a Boston audience with her cover of Sam Cooke’s freedom anthem “Change Is Gonna Come.”

Common and LaBelle’s performances follow performances by other hand-picked artists at Monday night’s political rally, country singers Mickey Guyton and Jason Isbell.

➡️ Watch: Common: Tiny Desk Concert at the White House

➡️ Listen: Supergroup August Green: Tiny Desk Concert