Kendrick Lamar has been out of the limelight since its completion heated opposition with Drake ended several weeks ago. But on Friday, K-Dot made a surprise appearance at Compton College's Class of 2024 commencement ceremony, where the rapper gave props to the city he grew up in and offered the graduates words of wisdom as they embark on their journey into the wider world.
Taking the stage to a censored version of “Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe,” a smiling Lamar stopped to snap a few photos and offer handshakes and hugs as he pulled out his own phone to snap a video of the revelers. scene. “I wanted to come out here just to tell you how much I appreciate you. I'm proud of the city of Compton, I'm proud of Compton College, most importantly I'm proud of the alumni out here,” he told the crowd.
“I know what it takes. You have had many difficulties, not only in your home, in your communities, but most importantly, in yourself, and this is the most difficult thing to overcome. We are still growing day by day, brick by brick, making sure to evolve, not only in the physical form but also in the spiritual form,” he added.
“Seeing you all out here, it's not just a representation of the world, it's a representation of me. When I go out to these cities in these countries, I can be proud and say, “I'm from here.” I still believe in Compton, Compton has always been a future for me. I think we breed some of the most incredible people: Creative, intellectual, talent. We've had it since day one, so I've always screamed this city. I've traveled all over the world, there's no place like it here. No place,” the rapper told the cheering crowd.
“I still believe in Compton. Compton was always the future for me. I think we breed some of the most incredible people, creators, intellectuals, talent. We've had it from day one… I've traveled all over the world, there's no place like it here… I still believe in everything we do. Brick by brick.”
Wearing glasses, a purple ball gown and a black suit with a white T-shirt, the town's MC told the graduates that he still believes in everything the community does, but that it's time to change the narrative. “Some people tell us that this generation doesn't have what it takes. Gen Z. We talk about it all day. They're trying to pull us down and say we don't know what we're doing,” he said. “But they are wrong. Because not only do you all have what it takes, you also have something greater: You have the heart, all the courage to be independent thinkers. Independent thinkers. There is nothing more precious than that.”
Lamar assured the graduates that their degree from Compton College was just as important and vital as any degree someone else could get from a different school. “That Compton degree is just as big,” he said with great approval. “Now it's all about taking those resources and taking what you've learned and applying it. It is so simple. You will have difficulties, you will have sorrows as you had come here, but guess what? You have someone special behind your corner and around you and that is God, period. Period. Period. Every step of the way when you fall and have your flaws, they are there. When you have your wins, they are there. Give yourself grace, give yourself time to grow and appreciate it, because it grows with you.”
Lamar will return to the stage in Los Angeles on June 19 as his hotties The Pop Out – Ken & Friends concert at the Kia Forum for a special concert broadcast live on Prime Video.
Watch Lamar's surprise speech at Compton College (the Lamar segment starts around 41:30) below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kendrick-lamar-surprise-speech-2024-compton-college-graduation-1235705540/
