LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 5: Kendrick Lamar wins the award for Best Rap Album at THE 65TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, broadcasting live Sunday, February 5, 2023 (8:00-11:30 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:30 PM, LIVE PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)
Kendrick Lamar popped out for Compton College’s graduating class. The hip hop mogul surprised the 2024 graduates by taking the stage to deliver an inspiring commencement speech.
Kendrick, a Compton native and special guest at the ceremony, praised the city and the students in his remarks.
“Seeing y’all out here, it’s not only a representation of the world, but it’s a representation of me. When I walk out in these cities, in these countries, I can be proud and say, ‘This is where I’m from.’ I still believe in Compton — Compton always been the future for me. I think we breed some of the most incredible individuals: creatives, intellectuals, talent. We had it since day one, that’s why I always scream this city. I traveled the world; there’s no place like this one right here. No place,” Kendrick said.
According to HipHopDX, the ‘Not Like Us’ rapper went on to commend Gen Z for being independent thinkers, regardless of what the world says.
“And I still believe in everything we’re doing, brick by brick, I still believe. It’s time that we change the narratives. Some people tell us this generation don’t have what it takes. Gen Z — we talk about it all day. They try to pull us down and say we don’t know what we’re doing. They wrong though. You know why? Because not only do y’all have what it takes, y’all have something bigger. Y’all have the heart, y’all have the courage to be independent thinkers, there’s nothing more valuable than that,” Kendrick explained.
K.Dot continued to emphasize to the 2024 graduates their degree holds just as much value as any other college degree.
“This degree that y’all have right here is just as big as any degree. I don’t care what school, I don’t care what institution. This Compton degree is just as big. Now it’s all about taking these resources and taking what you learned and applying them. It’s as simple as that.”
The Roomies quickly praised Kendrick’s powerful commencement message in The Shade Room comment section. Many social media users gave him props for taking the time to speak at a junior college in his hometown.
Instagram user @tynicolle wrote, “I love this because this is a junior college and people look down on JC’s so him taking his time to speak to this graduating class is amazing.”
While Instagram user @bonitabillionaire wrote, “THEY NOT LIKE HIM.”
Then Instagram user @kinggkeon wrote, “Drake got him out here delivering speeches in the community now.”
Instagram user @thecoreyshow wrote, “Kendrick talks the way he raps. Somebody drop a beat over this.”
Another Instagram user @kouturekarnivore wrote, “This is beyond dope. Compton college is a small local college so for them to have him speak is beautiful.”
Instagram user @oreganogangsters1903 wrote, “I love this for them! Kendrick was the ultimate surprise speaker.”
Finally, Instagram user @_tysunraveling wrote, “Always POUR back into your community!!! Our reflection is needed everywhere!!”
Before his graduation address at Compton College, K.Dot made headlines after he announced his concert, “The Pop Out — Ken and Friends.” Variety reports that Kendrick’s show will be presented by pgLang and Free Lunch at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on June 19 (Juneteenth).
Per the outlet, Lamar announced the highly anticipated event on social media with a picture of a license plate detailing the show. “Ken and Friends” will officially kick off at 4 p.m. PT.
