Once again, Kendrick Lamar has delivered a powerful motivational speech to inspire children – this time, not to Drake’s offspring.

On June 7, Lamar made a surprise appearance at Compton College’s 2024 commencement ceremony, where he gave a brief speech congratulating the new graduates. A Compton native, Lamar has long made the city a central character in his music and image, including his appearance at the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show at SoFi Stadium.

Lamar addressed the graduates: “You have faced a lot of challenges, not only within your family and community but most importantly within yourself, and that is the hardest to overcome. We are still growing each day, brick by brick, making sure we grow both physically and mentally.”

He continued, “When I step out into these cities and countries, I can proudly say this is my home. Compton has always been the future to me. I believe we have produced some of the most incredible individuals, creators, and intellectuals. I have traveled the world, and there is no place like this here.”

This speech marked Lamar’s first public appearance since his long-standing feud with rival Drake, where the two rappers exchanged heated allegations about their personal and professional lives. Many regard Lamar as the victor in this clash, having scored two Hot 100 chart-topping singles – “Like That” and “Not Like Us” – in its aftermath.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning artist also announced a special hometown show, “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends,” to be held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood on Juneteenth, June 19.