In Kendrick Lamar’s star-studded music video for “ Not Like Us ” — a diss record aimed at Canadian rapper Drake — hundreds of fans are standing around the Pulitzer Prize and Grammy winner near Compton City Hall. As the lively crowd turns up and dances, they rap along to the infectious chorus. “ They not like us, they not like us, they not like us .
” It’s a strong sentiment that goes far beyond the rap beef or hip-hop in general. Rather, it perfectly highlights the spirit of Compton and its people: Despite characterizations of violence in pop culture portrayals, the residents of Compton shake off those misconceptions and rep their city with pride. “Compton’s always been the future for me,” Lamar said during his unexpected appearance at Compton College’s commencement ceremony in June, about a month before the momentous video shoot.
The Compton native has long made the city a focal point in his music and visual iconography. “I think we breed some of the most incredible individuals, creators, intellectuals. .
.. I’ve traveled the world, there’s no place like this one right here.
” For decades, Compton has given the world icons and change-makers like mogul Dr. Dre, tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams and actor Anthony Anderson. Located southeast of Los Angeles, Compton is known as “Hub City” because it’s located almost exactly in the center of Los Angeles County.
The city was incorporated in 1888 — the eighth to do so in the county. Prior .