Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre have served up a piece of Compton to the masses, but the pair of California rap dignitaries returned to their alma mater for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday (May 7).
Will.i.am also joined Dre and K. Dot for the ceremony at Compton’s Centennial High School. Dr. Dre stepped to the podium and delivered a brief speech about the importance of “investing forward” to help the next generation. Photos emerged of Dre and Kendrick at the ceremony, holding shovels and rocking red reflective construction vests. Will.i.am spoke about how giving kids access to resources and technology will give them a chance at achieving better careers. Dr. Dre has remained involved as a consultant, advising designers of the renovation project on technology and the placement of recording studios on campus.
The appearance brought together at least three generations of influential Los Angeles-area artists in a rare public moment centered on giving back. Videos and photos from the event quickly spread online as fans reacted to seeing Dre and Kendrick reunited in Compton. For Dre, the visit underscored his continued investment in the communities that shaped West Coast Hip-Hop culture long before he became one of music’s wealthiest and most influential figures. The producer and entrepreneur has increasingly aligned himself with educational and community-based initiatives in recent years while maintaining his role as a mentor to younger artists.