Kendrick Lamar shocked the category of 2024 at Compton School final week with a shock graduation deal with during which he instructed the graduates that he believes the California metropolis produces unmatched expertise and praised their “braveness to be impartial thinkers.”
The winner of each a Pulitzer Prize and 17 Grammys, Lamar is a Compton native who has spoken about changing into embroiled in violent gang exercise there whereas additionally discovering an affinity for poetry within the metropolis’s public colleges.
“I needed to return out right here simply to inform y’all how a lot I respect y’all,” Lamar stated as he greeted the group on Friday. “I’m pleased with y’all, I’m pleased with town of Compton. I’m pleased with Compton School. Most significantly, I’m pleased with the graduates out right here.”
The rapper’s shock look appeared to shock the graduates when it was introduced by Compton School president Dr. Keith Curry 45 minutes into the ceremony. The gang stood up and applauded, taking images as Lamar walked to the rostrum as his hit tune, “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” was performed throughout the Dignity Well being Sports activities Park Tennis Stadium. The rapper continued his reward of the graduates and town they share as he addressed these gathered on the stadium.
“Seeing y’all out right here, it’s not solely a illustration of the world, however it’s a illustration of me,” he stated. “Once I stroll out in these cities, in these international locations, I could be proud and say, ‘That is the place I’m from.’”
Lamar additionally touched on the long run that the category of 2024 can look towards and the way the gathered graduates can use their mind whereas going through the challenges forward.
“I nonetheless consider it’s time that we modify the narratives. , some folks inform us this technology don’t have what it takes… They’re mistaken, although — you understand why? As a result of not solely do y’all have what it takes, however y’all have one thing even larger,” he stated. “Y’all have a coronary heart. Y’all had the braveness to be impartial thinkers. There’s nothing extra helpful than that. Y’all can exit right here and inform and specific your ideas and say it with conviction and fervour and stand on it and be unapologetic about it,”
Lemar then instructed the category of 2024 that their levels from Compton School are “simply as large as any diploma,” including, “It’s all about taking these assets, taking what you discovered and making use of them.” In parting, he spoke of his personal every day dialogue with God and inspired the graduates to do the identical, in good occasions and dangerous.
“I need y’all to exit right here, rejoice your self, get pleasure from your self, he instructed the group. “Or hold that spirit inside you, as a result of it don’t cease. From right here, it don’t cease.”
