Kendrick Lamar’s love for Compton, California is long documented. His hometown is often a central theme in songs, music influences, and creative collaborators. But Kendrick’s show of support for his stomping grounds extend far beyond his professional endeavors.
Yesterday (June 7), Kendrick dropped into Compton College’s 2024 commencement ceremony. In a surprising turn of events for graduates, the institution announced the “Not Like Us” emcee would deliver its official commencement speech.
During the address, Kendrick expressed his pride in the graduates and how they were carrying the torch for the city. Read the “DNA.” rapper’s speech transcript below. Further, you can watch Compton College’s full 2024 commencement ceremony, Kendrick Lamar’s remarks begins at the 42:47 minute mark.
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, most importantly I’m proud of the graduates out here. I know what it takes. You had a lot of hardship, not only in your house, in your communities, but most importantly, in yourself, and that’s the toughest thing to overcome. We’re still growing day by day, brick by brick, making sure we develop, not only in physical form but in the spiritual as well. And I still believe in everything we’re doing, brick by brick, 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. Because not only you all have what it takes, you have something bigger. You have the heart and the courage to be independent thinkers. There’s nothing more valuable than that.
Kendrick Lamar is really taking the concept of “The Pop Out” pretty far, especially for his home city of Compton, Los Angeles. Not only will he perform at The Forum in L.A. on Juneteenth for a special show with friends, but he also appeared at Compton College’s 2024 commencement ceremony on Friday (June 7) and gave the graduating class an inspiring speech. For those unaware, this college is a public community university founded in 1927, and yesterday, it was home to the former TDE MC’s first public appearance in not just months but since his Drake beef went down earlier this year. Below, you can find a small excerpt of the speech.
“Here is not only a representation of the world, but it’s a representation of me,” Kendrick Lamar remarked. “And when I walk out in these cities and these countries, I could be proud and say, this is where I’m from. I still believe in Compton. Compton always been a future for me. I think we breed some of the most incredible individuals, creators, intellectuals, talent. We had it since day one. That’s why I always screamed this City. I traveled the world. It’s no place like this one right here. No place, no place. And I still believe, I still believe in everything that we doing. Brick by brick.”
But don’t fret if you’re not in Los Angeles to celebrate these moments, as you can catch a livestream of the “Pop Out” show via Amazon Prime and Twitch. A lot of Kendrick Lamar fans wish that they could be there in the heat of it all, but there are plenty of chances for the world to connect with these appearances. You can find the full livestream of the commencement ceremony below. K.Dot’s speech begins around the 41-minute mark.
Full Compton College Commencement: See Kendrick Lamar Around The 41-Minute Mark
Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar recently got some business offers from Dame Dash, so who knows if he’ll build up his portfolio with a Roc-A-Fella purchase? He might just pour that back into Compton, a city that we know he’ll continue to rep and support regardless of his global status. The 36-year-old gave these graduates a very meaningful and unique moment to remember that very few out there could even speak to. It’s heartening to see, especially as the emphasis is on love, community, and perseverance after such a nasty beef.
It is no secret that Drake’s name is getting dragged through the mud and then some as of late. Most people have crowned Kendrick Lamar the winner, especially after “The Heart Part 6” was widely panned. With the diss tracks seemingly at a permanent halt, people are making sure to remind The Boy that he took a massive L. Metro Boomin has been an instigator, applauding Lil Wayne for spinning “Not Like Us” at a recent show. He even played his diss beat at a St. Louis Cardinals game the other night. The entire state of California has clearly showed who they believe has taken the W. That point has been hammered home, especially after a supposed sighting of a “BBL Drizzy” mural popping up in Compton.
This wall art was found by a user on X (formerly Twitter), and it is quite the “kick to the family jewels,” for lack of a better word. In the short clip below, it zooms in on a depiction of Drake all beaten up and bloody in a yellow tracksuit. Next to “BBL Drizzy” it says, “They not like us,” a clear reference to Lamar’s final diss. Then, the person behind the camera pans left, portraying Kendrick as one of his many aliases.
They decided to show him as Kung Fu Kenny essentially kicking the crap out of Drake. It is a real disrespectful way to literally paint him. To us, it conveys the utter hatred for the Canadian multi-hyphenate and it seems it is only growing. Even though the diss tracks are no more, this beef is far from over.
What are your thoughts on this “BBL Drizzy” mural popping up in Compton? Have you ever seen a rapper get this much hate thrown his/her way, why or why not? Who do you claim as the winner of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and their ongoing beef. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Kendrick Lamar is all over the news right now thanks to his beef with Drake. Overall, he is about to have the biggest song in the world with “Not Like Us.” Furthermore, he is going to chart with “Euphoria” and there is a chance songs like “Meet The Grahams” may get some love as well. At the end of the day, Lamar put out an EP of diss songs, and fans can’t help but appreciate that. After all, he is someone who typically doesn’t release music all that often. So for him to show out in this way was incredibly impressive.
During his battle with Drake, the Canadian megastar claimed that Kendrick doesn’t donate any of his money to the people of Compton. However, that narrative is slowly being debunked on social media. In the tweet below, you can see a video of someone noting how Kendrick has frequently put money on people’s books, while also paying for funerals. Another Twitter user by the name of The Woodland Hermit came out and told a story about Kendrick buying sneakers for an entire Compton youth basketball team.
“I had a basketball team at Campanella Park in Compton,” the user began. “Kendrick was shooting footage for his tour, saw us practicing, got everyone shoe size, and went to footlocker and copped the whole team shoes.” This was followed up with a picture of Kendrick and the kids, which proves that this story is real. It’s a wholesome story and one that fans will definitely appreciate.
Let us know what you think of this story, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that Kendrick has officially won his battle with Drake? Do you think that either of these two artists are going to end up putting out any more songs on the matter? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
YBN Nahmir is an artist who has gone through a lot over the last few years. Overall, this is due to some misses in his discography, as well as a general disinterest in the style of rap that was popular the year he came out. Regardless, Nahmir has tried to continue pushing, despite all of the setbacks. Unfortunately, it seems as though things have gone from bad to worse for the artist. At least that is what one man is saying on social media right now.
In the post below from Rap Updates TV, you will find an Instagram story from an account called @jointkofflaurel. The story depicts an old video of YBN Nahmir talking about an iced-out YBN chain he had acquired. Furthermore, he explains how the chain was extremely difficult to come by. The next slide subsequently shows a man who claims to be from Compton, holding a chain that looks a lot like Nahmir’s. He then brags that the chain is actually a whole lot easier to come by, insinuating that he snatched it from the rapper.
Interestingly enough, according to HipHopDX, there are numerous fans who aren’t so sure that this is chain belongs to Nahmir. “ngl the chain they was holding didn’t look like the one nahmir was holding up sumn not adding up maybe im tweakin,” one person explained. Others simply roasted the man for trying to flex about a crime on Instagram, when authorities are likely watching. At the time of writing this, Nahmir has not commented on whether or not the man is telling the truth.
Nahmir With The Chain Months Ago
Let us know what you think of this situation, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that this is something Nahmir could come back from? Is he primed for a comeback in the music industry at large? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
In the world of hip-hop, one name continues to echo loudly: YG. The Compton-born artist, known for his raw lyrics and rhythmic beats, has amassed a considerable fortune over the years. According to Celebrity Net Worth, YG’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at around $6 million US dollars. But how did YG reach this impressive figure? Let’s break it down.
YG’s Early Years And Breakthrough In Music
YG, whose real name is Keenon Daequan Ray Jackson, has always been passionate about music. He began his journey in the mid-2000s, establishing himself in the music industry with mixtapes that resonated with listeners. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that YG experienced his breakthrough with the single “Toot It and Boot It.” The song’s success provided a substantial boost to his net worth.
YG’s Commercial Success And Impact On His Net Worth
Following his initial success, YG released his debut album My Krazy Life in 2014. The album, which included hits like “Who Do You Love?” and “My N***a”, peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200. YG’s commercial success skyrocketed, as did his net worth. His subsequent albums, Still Brazy, Stay Dangerous, and 4Real 4Real, further cemented his position in the industry and contributed to his increasing wealth.
YG’s net worth isn’t solely the result of his music career. He’s also proven himself to be a savvy entrepreneur. In 2016, he launched his own record label, 4Hunnid, which has signed several successful artists. This label has become a significant revenue source, further boosting his net worth.
The Impact Of Tours And Concerts On YG’s Net Worth
Concerts and tours form a substantial portion of a rapper’s income, and YG is no exception. His energetic performances and devoted fan base have resulted in successful tours worldwide. These have not only increased his visibility in the music industry but also added a hefty amount to his net worth.
Despite his significant wealth, YG has never forgotten his roots. He has continually given back to his community through various philanthropic efforts. While his generosity may not increase his net worth, it certainly adds to his worth as a person.
In conclusion, YG’s net worth in 2024 stands at an impressive $6 million. His journey, from a young rapper in Compton to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, is a testament to his talent and drive. Despite the challenges he faced, YG has remained steadfast in his pursuit of success, securing his place in the hip-hop industry and growing his wealth along the way. His story continues to inspire aspiring artists around the world.
On this day in Hip-Hop history, legendary west coast DJ, rapper, and producer DJ Quik was born in 1970.
David Marvin Blake, a.k.a. DJ Quik, was born in Pomona, California, and shortly after relocated to Compton, California. His love for music began at a very young age, and by age 12, he could already play several instruments. Quik jumpstarted his path to fame by selling mixtapes he made with the turntable he received while still in school. Through self-promotion, his fame began to rise, and he started to DJ and host events in Southern California.
Whether due to knowledge of his future success or lack of interest, Quik dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. Shortly after, he suffered homelessness when his family home was taken away in foreclosure. There’s little information about what happened during DJ Quik’s life, but in 1990, everything changed.
DJ Quik had created so much of a buzz on the streets by selling tapes and making appearances at parties and events he gained the attention of local record labels Ruthless Records and Profile Records. Despite a one million dollar offer from Eazy E, Quik signed with Profile.
On February 12, 1991, DJ Quik released his debut album, Quik Is the Name, which debuted at #29 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it would peak, and sold 50,000 copies in its first week. The album hosted hit singles “Born and Raised in Compton” and “Tonite.” after about four years, the album was certified platinum by the RIAA and had to date, sold 1,068,203 copies. After his debut success, Quik produced eight more solo studio albums and a collaborative album with rapper Kurupt called Blaqkout in 2009.
Outside of music, DJ Quik has made appearances as an actor on popular TV shows: Method and Red, Entourage, and Everybody Hates Chris. His career is one of the more influential ones on the West Coast. Quik was an instrumental part of the G-Funk sound and helped it to gain popularity early in the rap world. Countless rappers, producers, and DJs alike have noted their influence by DJ Quik, and if you ride around SoCal today, there’s no doubt you can hear one of his hits playing on someone’s stereo. If you don’t already listen daily, take some time today to appreciate the career of one of the West Coast’s OGs.
Released on Profile Records during a time when their roster consisted of righteous rhymers like King Sun and Poor Righteous Teachers, Quik was pioneering in helping to usher in the “gangsta rap” sound on a mainstream scale in the early 90s and labels were just beginning to shift their marketing dollars towards this sub-genre of Hip-Hop.
With the help of producers Courtney Branch, Greg Jessie and Tracy Kendrick, Quik managed to produce a rap classic that sold 50,000 in its first week with only a $30,000 budget for production. Recorded in Westlake Recording Studio in Los Angeles, the same spot where Michael Jackson’s epic Thriller masterpiece was created, Quik and crew finished up the album in 17 days.
The album’s lead single, “Born And Raised In Compton,” climbed to Number 6 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, while tracks like “Tonite,” “Deep” and the album’s title track solidified the funk sound that later saturated West Coast Hip Hop music.
Salute to the Big Homie for laying down this pioneering project that will forever be considered one of the Top 100 Albums in Hip-Hop!
Earlier this week, Eazy-E was recognized by his hometown of Compton, CA with a street named in his honor. Auto Drive South’s 100 block is now officially known as Eazy Street. They held a ceremony to celebrate the occasion, which was attended by several of Eazy-E’s peers, friends, and family members. The late N.W.A. icon’s mother Kathie Wright even delivered a moving speech at the event, growing misty-eyed as she thanked the crowd for attending.
“I’m so proud of everybody that’s here today,” she explained. “And say I love you all and thanks so much for showing up at this presentation. Thank you very much, the city of Compton… I would like to thank everybody that had a part in this and I love you and God bless, and he is watching from a distance. Thank you very much. Everybody have a nice day and have a Happy Thanksgiving.”
Eazy-E’s mother wasn’t the only one of his family members to speak at the event, however. The performer’s son, Eric Darnell Wright, also shared some heartfelt words about his father’s posthumous accomplishment. “My father finally got what he deserves,” he began. “A monumental street in the city he put on the map … It’s a long time coming, but again, I always say it’s God’s timing.”
Alonzo Williams, the president of Compton’s Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, chatted with KABC about the distinction. “Compton has a lot of history, but nobody knows about it. I figured the most recent history is hip-hop history,” he told the outlet. “Being this is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, I thought it’d be a great idea to approach the City Council, talk about possibly doing this and they loved the idea.” How do you feel about Eazy-E having a street named after him in Compton? What do you think of Eazy-E’s mother’s speech? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
In a tribute to the late N.W.A legend and Ruthless Records founder Eazy-E, the city of Compton is set to immortalize his legacy by naming a street in his honor. Auto Plaza Drive South will officially bear the name “Eazy Street.” This is the same California city where Eazy-E was born and raised. Moreover, Eazy-E’s enduring influence on the world of hip-hop and music as a whole has not gone unnoticed. And the decision to rename a street after him holds great significance. Especially during the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. However, his pioneering work with N.W.A and the establishment of Ruthless Records contributed significantly to shaping the genre and paving the way for numerous artists.
The renaming of Auto Plaza Drive South as “Eazy Street” comes as part of the city’s commemorative events to mark the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. This adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion. Eazy-E’s son, Lil Eazy-E, shared his thoughts on the honor to AllHipHop. He expressed “To hear our father Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright is being honored during the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, it’s a testament to his impact and legacy in the genre. His contributions to Hip-Hop music and the entertainment business and culture continue to be recognized and celebrated. And we are truly grateful. We will continue to make sure our father’s charitable contributions will continue to be our goal thru our nonprofit, the Eric Wright Foundation. We truly appreciate the honor.”
The commemorative event celebrating the street name change is scheduled for November 22. And the event will run from noon to 3 p.m. PT. Importantly, it is open to the public. This offers fans of Eazy-E the opportunity to join in celebrating his life and contributions in the world of hip-hop. Eazy-E’s mark on the genre continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Moreover, this street naming is a fitting acknowledgment of his enduring legacy. However, as Compton pays homage to one of its most illustrious sons, it highlights the city’s commitment to honoring its cultural heritage. In addition to recognizing the profound impact of its residents on the music industry. However, Eazy Street is not just a name on a sign. In addition, it’s a symbol of the enduring influence of an artist whose music and legacy will forever be a part of hip-hop history.