Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar Break Ground on New Centennial High School in Compton

Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre made a powerful return to their roots, attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Centennial High School campus in Compton, California, today. The event saw the two artists, both alumni of the school, joined by will.i.am.

During the ceremony, Micah Ali, board president of Compton Unified School District, invited Dre to address the crowd. The music mogul reflected on the personal significance of the moment. "Today is really nostalgic for me," Dre stated. "Sometimes you hear that term 'full circle.' This is really a full-circle moment for me because I did actually attend this high school."

Dre continued, "Well, sometimes I attended. I was enrolled, I was here, sometimes. 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."

Dre emphasized the broader impact of the project: "Today isn’t just about a new building, it’s about a promise kept to the city that made me — point blank. Period." He added, "This groundbreaking is where the vision we’ve shared for years finally hits the pavement. We aren’t just moving dirt today. We’re investing in the next generation that’s coming straight out of Compton."

"We’re tearing down walls and opening doors for our next scholars, innovators, creators, pioneers, technicians, and engineers that absolutely have the potential to change this world," Dre concluded.

Both Dre and Lamar have consistently represented their city throughout their careers. In 2016, Lamar received the Key to the City. The rapper, born in Compton and a former straight-A student at Centennial High School, also served as the 63rd grand marshal of the Compton Christmas Parade the year prior. The California State Senate has also recognized Lamar as a Generational Icon.

In 2015, Dre announced his decision to donate all of his artist royalties earned from his third studio album, Compton, to fund a new performing arts and entertainment facility in the city.

---

Related Articles

• Travis Scott's Empire: USC Launches Course on Cactus Jack
• Chance The Rapper and Jason Moran to Honor Muhammad Ali at Gordon Parks Foundation Awards
• Mike D Drops First Solo Track, "Switch Up," Since Beastie Boys' Hiatus