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Chance the Rapper Delivers Dillard University Commencement Speech: Watch

INDIO, CA - APRIL 15: Singer Chance the Rapper performs as a special guest on the Coachella stage during week 1, day 3 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15, 2018 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)

This morning, Chance the Rapper gave the commencement speech at Dillard University’s graduation ceremony in New Orleans. In the speech, the musician discusses persevering in the face of adversity, and cites Beyoncé as an inspiration both he and the audience can look to. “You have to push forward and surpass their greatness in order to pay homage to their struggle,” he says, noting the importance of grounding one’s work in historical links to the past.

Chance also received an honorary doctorate from the university, sharing a video of him getting ready on Instagram, saying, “Today is my graduation day.” Check out a clip of his speech, as well as a few photos of the ceremony below.