Photo Credit: Compton College
Kendrick Lamar honored his hometown with a surprise appearance at Compton College's graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 8. The 36-year-old, seventeen-time Grammy winner, addressed the 2024 graduating class, offering words of wisdom as they embark on their future endeavors.
"I wanted to come out here just to tell y'all how much I appreciate y'all. I'm proud of the city of Compton, I'm proud of Compton College, and most importantly, I'm proud of the graduates out here," Lamar began his speech.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the students, Lamar continued, "I know what it takes. You had a lot of hardship, not only in your house and in your communities but most importantly within yourself, and that's the toughest thing to overcome. We're still growing day by day, brick by brick, making sure we develop, not just physically but spiritually as well."
He expressed how the graduates' achievements reflect on him and the community, saying, "Seeing y'all out here is not only a representation of the world, but it's a representation of me. When I walk in these cities, in these countries, I can proudly say, 'This is where I'm from.'"
Lamar also addressed Gen Z graduates, countering criticism often directed at their generation. "Some people tell us, 'This generation, they don't have what it takes, Gen Z.' We hear it all the time. They try to pull us down and say we don't know what we're doing. They're wrong. You know why? Because not only do y'all have what it takes, but you also have something even bigger. You have the heart and the courage to be independent thinkers."
He emphasized the importance of applying their knowledge and overcoming hardships with faith. "Now it's all about taking these resources and what you've learned and applying them. It's as simple as that. You'll face hardships and tribulations, just as you did to get here, but remember, you have someone special in your corner and all around you, and that's God, period. Every step of the way."
This speech marked Lamar's first major public appearance since his feud with Drake began making headlines and dominating the rap charts. His diss track "Not Like Us," directed at Drake, has been topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart since its release on May 4.
The feud started when Lamar collaborated with Future and Metro Boomin on "Like That," taking shots at J. Cole and Drake, prompting swift responses and a series of diss tracks exchanged between Lamar and Drake over the past month.
Additionally, Lamar has announced his first concert date since the feud began. He is set to perform at a one-night-only "Ken and Friends" show, organized by pgLang and Free Lunch, called The Pop Out, on June 19. The concert will take place at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., with doors opening at 4 p.m.
