Posted by On Thursday (May 7), Kendrick Lamar returned to his high school alma mater, Centennial High School in Compton, Calif., to participate in a momentous groundbreaking ceremony. The event marked the beginning of a significant construction project for the campus, with fellow industry icons Dr. Dre and will.i.am in attendance to show their support for the school’s future.
The project represents a major milestone for the institution, as it is the first significant building initiative at the school in 70 years. The state-of-the-art facility is projected to cost $270 million and is slated to open in 2029, ultimately serving approximately 1,800 students and replacing the existing structure.
For the attendees, the event was deeply personal. Kendrick Lamar graduated from Centennial in 2005, while Dr. Dre attended the school during his freshman year in 1979 before transferring to Fremont High School. During his address, Dr. Dre reflected on the significance of the day.
“Sometimes you hear that term full-circle. Well, this is a full-circle moment for me because I did actually attend this high school,” said Dr. Dre during his speech. “Well, sometimes I attended,” he jokingly added.
Dr. Dre emphasized a shift in his philanthropic philosophy, moving away from the traditional concept of “giving back” toward a more proactive approach. “On this day, I’m making a commitment and that commitment is to let go of the notion of giving back. Instead, I’m embracing the power of investing forward,” he continued. “Now you may not know this about me, but I only invest in things that have a powerful impact.”
He concluded his remarks by highlighting the emotional weight of the project: “And today isn’t just about a new building, it’s about the promise I kept to the city that made me, point, blank, period. And this groundbreaking is where the vision we shared for years finally hits the pavement.”
While Kendrick Lamar did not deliver a formal speech, his presence and visible support for the new campus served as a powerful endorsement for the community that shaped his early years.