Kendrick Lamar made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Compton College graduation, delivering an inspiring speech to the graduates. This marked his first public appearance since his high-profile beef with Drake.
Dressed in a cap, glasses, and a purple jacket, Kendrick, 36, addressed the audience, emphasizing his pride in his hometown and sharing valuable advice with the students.
“Here is not only a representation of the world, but it’s a representation of me,” Kendrick said, referring to Compton College’s graduating class. He continued, “And when I walk out in these cities and these countries, I can be proud and say, this is where I’m from. I still believe in Compton. Compton has always been a future for me. I think we breed some of the most incredible individuals, creators, intellectuals, and talent. We’ve 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. And I still believe in everything that we’re doing, brick by brick. I still believe it’s time that we change the narratives. Some people say this generation doesn’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.”
He added, “They’re wrong, though. You know why? Because not only do y’all have what it takes, but y’all have something even bigger. Y’all have the heart. Y’all have the courage to be independent thinkers. There’s nothing more valuable than that. Y’all can go out here and express your thoughts with conviction and passion, stand on it, and be unapologetic about it. If someone pulls you to the side and says, ‘You know what? You were wrong about that,’ you can appreciate it. Or they could say, ‘I appreciate you for giving me the wisdom and the courage to be just as in-depth and strong with conviction about the message you have.’ And it spreads, not only to the person you’re talking to but subconsciously to kids younger than yourselves. That’s something I can always appreciate.”
Kendrick emphasized the value of their education, stating, “This degree that y’all have right here is just as big as any degree. I don’t care what school or institution. Compton College, this Compton degree is just as big… It’s all about taking these resources and what you’ve learned and applying them. It’s as simple as that.”
Compton College, a public community college founded in 1927, continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for its community.
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