Pittsburgh Public School Students Reflect on Experience Performing with Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Durk
Imagine the thrill of sharing the stage with your favorite artists at a packed concert venue. For a fortunate group of students from Pittsburgh Public Schools, this dream became a reality over the weekend at PPG Paints Arena when renowned artists Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Durk made their way to Pittsburgh.
From rehearsals to performing alongside some of today’s biggest stars, students from Westinghouse Academy and Faison K-5 seized the opportunity of a lifetime as they joined rapper Lil Durk and J. Cole to perform their าบit track, “All My Life.”
“When I first saw the email about the opportunity to perform with Lil Durk, J. Cole, and Drake at PPG Paints, I thought it was too good to be true,” remarked Dr. Kimberly Price, the district’s coordinator for performing arts.
Dr. Price recounted the disbelief she felt upon receiving the invitation on Wednesday night but wasted no time in organizing the logistics for the event. “Nineteen kids performed on Friday, and twenty kids performed on Saturday,” she explained.
Among the students who took the stage were Azyre Robinson, Imani Clinton, and Heaven Johnson, all of whom described the experience as profoundly inspiring. “I’m passionate about dancing and singing, so this entire experience made me realize that if I can do this, I can certainly achieve something bigger,” said Clinton.
Johnson echoed this sentiment, expressing her astonishment at the opportunity: “I feel like I’m going to become even more famous, and I’m just thinking, ‘Wow, I can’t believe this is happening.'”
Dr. Price emphasized the collective effort put forth by students, parents, and staff within a 48-hour period to ensure the success of the performance. “These young individuals possess immense talent, but they often lack the chance to showcase it. Witnessing these kids in action changed my perspective,” she shared.
The students revealed that Lil Durk graciously rewarded their hard work by presenting each of them with $100. Robinson shared how she used her earnings to purchะฐse a gaming microphone she had been eyeing, while others expressed gratitude for the unexpecteิ bonus.
Reflecting on the experience, the students unanimously agreed that they would eagerly seize such opportunities again in the future.