As a huge fan of Kendrick Lamar, I can completely relate to Pennelope Gonzalez’s dedication and enthusiasm towards creating a Juneteenth-themed piece that represents the holiday specifically. It took her two whole days to bring her vision to life, and I admire her passion and creativity.
A large number of devoted fans of Kendrick Lamar from various parts of the country gathered at The Forum in Inglewood on a weekday afternoon. This assembly came together just weeks after the announcement of “The Pop Out — Ken & Friends” concert, an event exclusive to the acclaimed rapper’s hometown. Notably, this gathering occurred approximately one month following Kendrick Lamar’s high-profile rap dispute with Drake.
As a movie buff, I’d describe it like this: Every year on Juneteenth, a special day commemorating when enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom in 1865, the energy is electric. And this year was no exception! The concert was packed with incredible performances from L.A.’s finest artists. I was there, grooving along to the beats of DJ Mustard, Ty Dolla Sign, Blxst, Steve Lacy, Westside Boogie, Dom Kennedy, RJMrLA, and even Tommy the Clown and his amazing crew of child krumpers! The atmosphere was electric, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Kendrick Lamar surprised us all with a Black Hippy reunion. The stage came alive as Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q joined him, leaving fans in awe. It was an unforgettable moment in music history.
At Lamar’s concert, some fans were excited to hear him perform their favorite diss tracks against Drake, “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria,” for the first time. Meanwhile, others saw the event as an ideal opportunity to commemorate Juneteenth, considering the frequent social issues and relevant themes present in Lamar’s music.
Prior to the show, we engaged fans in the parking area in conversations about what drew them to the event, how Lamar’s music resonates with the Juneteenth spirit, and why this particular occasion held cultural importance within hip-hop history. (Some responses have been shortened for brevity and clarity.)
On Juneteenth, a multitude of Kendrick Lamar enthusiasts gathered at The Forum in Inglewood for “The Pop Out — Ken & Friends” performance. Many attendees shared with The Times that this concert was an exceptional means to commemorate the holiday.
Daja Heard, Omarri Veck, Christian Johnson, Parlet Cooper of L.A.
As a movie lover, I can’t help but acknowledge that there’s no one else as effective as Lamar in shedding light on the true meaning and significance of Juneteenth. He has an uncanny ability to connect with those who truly understand its historical context and importance, and he does so in a way that leaves people eager to learn more.
Christian Johnson, a 35-year-old resident of Los Angeles, explained that the hip-hop icon has adopted Juneteenth as their celebration day and used it to express the community’s voice. It’s not for promotional purposes like a tour; rather, it’s an event specifically for the city.
Robert Harris of Anaheim
“Robert Harris, a 34-year-old resident of Anaheim, has been profoundly influenced by Kendrick. Since moving to this area, Robert has found solace in Kendrick’s music, which has touched him deeply. Kendrick connects with and advocates for his audience, making it rewarding for Robert to witness such expressions of love. Having attended almost every one of his concerts, Robert is moved by the show’s unifying effect on people. It brings together former adversaries and spreads positive energy. The focus here isn’t on hate or love but on the overall good vibes. Kendrick’s ability to create this atmosphere earns Robert’s admiration as he recognizes the rapper’s significant impact on hip-hop culture.”
Porsche Johnson of Compton
As a moviegoer who’s deeply connected to music, I can’t help but feel moved by moments like these. And when I say moved, I mean it in the strongest sense of the word. I’m talking about Kendrick Lamar and his anthemic track “Not Like Us.” It’s resonating with people from all walks of life right now. In fact, even those who aren’t part of our community are recognizing us, just as we recognize and celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But here’s the thing – this time it’s not just about them acknowledging us; it’s about everyone coming together to celebrate us. The outpouring of support from so many people is what makes this moment truly special and monumental.
Pennelope Gonzalez and Johnny “Raydeoworld” Feliz of New York
“Johnny ‘Raydeoworld’ Feliz, 26 from New York, expressed that it felt natural for us to be present because he represents the essence of culture in a profound way. We resonate with him as he understands our experiences. He is an excellent voice and guide for promoting positive values in hip-hop. This alignment made Juneteenth a fitting occasion to connect with him, given his cultural dedication. It seemed only right to celebrate this day with him.”
“I strongly connect with Kendrick’s vibe and have been inspired by him to include Compton Cowboys and pgLang in my outfit. In this picture of Kendrick from his ‘Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers’ album, he looks both laid-back and refined, which resonated with me for this particular holiday. It took me two full days to create the final product.” – Pennelpe Gonzalez (21 years old)
Stacy Aneke of Ontario, Calif.
“For me, it was essential to attend Kendrick’s comeback concert and witness ‘Not Like Us’ live, as it had been a while since his last performance. I consider him the victor in the feud, making this event culturally significant for me. Being present felt like being on the triumphant side.”
Drew Bosompem of New Jersey and Chioma Nwana of New York
“According to Drew Bosompem, 29-year-old from New Jersey: ‘This is the highly anticipated clash between the two most renowned rappers.’ “
Lauren and Lawrence Wolfeland of L.A.
“For a long time, my friend Lauren and I have been fans of Kendrick. But recently, with the latest developments over the past month, I believe he truly stood up for our community and highlighted important issues. It’s like he said, ‘Look at this, look here.’ We’ve historically faced exploitation, and now someone who resembles us is doing the same thing. It’s crucial that we speak out and be aware. As we prepare to celebrate ourselves, let’s not only honor a beloved artist but also acknowledge what he represented. Let’s unite in recognizing these truths within ourselves and stay vigilant for future occurrences.”
“It’s significant that he brought together Los Angeles, the coast, and hip-hop culture, and he did it on Juneteenth, which marks our freedom day. — Lawrence Wolfeland, a 43-year-old resident of Los Angeles.”
See more shots of K.Dot fans from the Forum parking lot below:
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2024-07-18 21:16