Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar and will.i.am came to Centennial High School in Compton for a community groundbreaking ceremony celebrating education and hometown ties.
Dr. Dre returned to the city that helped shape his legacy on Thursday (May 6), as the hip-hop icon joined Kendrick Lamar and will.i.am for a groundbreaking ceremony related to community development and education initiatives at Centennial High School in Compton.
The appearance brought together at least three generations of influential Los Angeles-area artists in a rare public moment focused on giving back. Videos and photos from the event quickly spread online as fans watched Dre and Kendrick reunite in Compton.
For Del Rey, the visit underscores his continued investment in the communities that shaped West Coast hip-hop long before he became one of the richest and most influential figures in music. In recent years, the producer and entrepreneur has become increasingly involved in education and community activities while maintaining a role as a mentor to young artists.
“Today was really missed for me,” Dre said. “Sometimes you hear the term ‘full circle.’ This is truly a full circle moment for me because I did go to this high school.”
“Well, sometimes I participate. I’m admitted and sometimes I’m here,” he continued, eliciting laughter.
Dre changed his tone and said he was serious about paying for his future.
“I’m making a commitment, and that commitment is to let go of the idea of giving back. Instead, I’m embracing the power of investing forward.”
Kendrick Lamar’s presence added another layer to the event.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper has largely retreated from the public eye after a dominant 2024, which included his feud with Drake and a successful tour with SZA. His relationship with Dre goes back more than a decade, when Dre helped introduce him to a national audience through Aftermath Entertainment.
Will.i.am also participated in the ceremony, continuing his long-standing advocacy for technology access and education programs for underserved communities. Together, these three artists represent different eras of California rap and entertainment while highlighting the growing role veteran musicians play in civic engagement.
