Kendrick Lamar Surprises Graduates with Inspiring Speech at Compton College’s Graduation Ceremony

Kendrick Lamar delivered a surprise commencement address at Compton College’s graduation ceremony, inspiring the graduates with his powerful words.

Kendrick Lamar Inspires Compton College Graduates

On Friday (June 7), Kendrick Lamar made a rare public appearance at Compton College’s graduation ceremony, delivering an inspiring speech to the class of 2024. In the video below, the Los Angeles rapper praised the graduates for their dedication and for representing the city of Compton with their achievements.

“I wаnted 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, and most importantly, I’m proud of the graduates out here,” he said at the 41-minute mark in the clip below. “I know what it takes. You had a lot of hardship, not only in your house and your communities, but most importantly, within yourself, and that’s the toughest thing to overcome. We are still growing day by day, brick by brick, making sure we develop, not only in physical form but in the spiritual as well.”

Kendrick emphasized that the degree from Compton College holds as much value as any degree from other institutions.

“This degree you have here is just as big as any degree,” he stated. “I don’t care what school, I don’t care what institution. Compton College. Compton degree is just as big.”

He also reminded the graduates that the true journey begins now. Acknowledging the challenges they will face, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper urged them to maintain strong faith and keep God close to their hearts as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

Kendrick’s Upcoming Juneteenth Concert and New Album

Kendrick’s speech at Compton College comes as he prepares to perform a special concert in Los Angeles on June 19, known as Juneteenth. The event, titled The Pop Out—Ken and Friends, is presented by pgLang and Free Lunch at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The all-ages event will begin at 4 p.m. PT (7 p.m. ET) and will be livestreamed on Twitch and Amazon Music.

Additionally, on Tuesday (June 4), Grammy-nominated producer Terrace Martin, who has collaborated with Kendrick, revealed on Instagram Live that he is thrilled about upcoming music projects from Compton artists Roddy Ricch and Kendrick Lamar.

“It’s two albums, I’m going crаzy, I can’t wait till they drop,” he said. “Roddy Ricch album and whenever Kendrick drops his album, I’m gon’ be… I’m excited for those two. Those two Compton artists. So much s**t bubblin’.”

Possible Collaboration Between Roddy Ricch and Kendrick Lamar

Fans are eagerly anticipating a potential collaboration between Roddy Ricch and Kendrick Lamar, as hinted by Terrace Martin on Instagram.