In a historic moment for hip-hop, Snoop Dogg has officially crowned Kendrick Lamar as the King of the West Coast. The coronation follows a journey that began over a decade ago when Snoop first passed the torch to Kendrick Lamar. Now, 13 years later, Snoop’s endorsement comes full circle, solidifying Kendrick’s reign in the world of West Coast hip-hop.
Table of Contents
The 2011 Torch Passing
Kendrick Lamar’s rise to the throne story began in 2011. At a memorable event at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, Snoop Dogg, alongside West Coast legends like Dr. Dre, Kurupt, The Game, Daz, and Warren G, officially passed the torch to a young Kendrick Lamar. The moment came shortly after Kendrick’s debut album, Section.80, started making waves in the hip-hop community. During the event, Snoop Dogg proclaimed, “I’m a say this, and I’m a mean this. Nia, you got the torch. You better run with it, ni**a, because it’s yours”.
The Coronation at “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends” Concert
Fast forward to June 21, 2024, during an Instagram Live session from Canada, Snoop Dogg reacted to Kendrick Lamar’s explosive performance at “The Pop Out: Ken and Friends” concert. This event was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of West Coast hip-hop and Juneteenth, symbolizing unity and peace among various gangs across California. Snoop was full of praise for Kendrick, highlighting the significance of the moment. “Sending a big shout-out to K. Dot and all the homies from the West that stood together unified, organized in peace [and] love,” Snoop expressed. “That was fun to watch. It was beautiful to see all my people come together… K. Dot, you are the King of the West. That’s the kind of sh*t kings do, we unite”.
The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, or simply The Pop Out, was a special concert by Kendrick Lamar, held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on June 19, 2024. The event celebrated Juneteenth and Black Music Month and marked Lamar’s return to the stage following his publicized feud with Canadian rapper Drake. The concert featured a set list of 60 songs primarily by artists from the Greater Los Angeles area. With DJ Hed and Mustard as opening acts, over 25 West Coast artists performed, including Ty Dolla Sign, Dom Kennedy, Steve Lacy, Tyler, the Creator, Roddy Ricch, YG, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Dr. Dre. During his set, Lamar performed four diss tracks aimed at Drake, including “Not Like Us,” which he performed six times consecutively. The concert was live-streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Twitch, marking Lamar’s second such performance following his 2022 tour.
Unity and Peace
One of the most remarkable aspects of this event was the peaceful unification of various gang factions, including Bloods, Crips, and Pirus. This unity is a testament to Kendrick’s influence and the respect he commands across different communities. During the concert, Kendrick echoed Snoop’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the moment over any previous conflicts or “back-and-forth records.” He stated, “It’s got everything to do with this moment right here. That’s what this sh*t was about. To bring all of us together”.
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Snoop’s Endorsement and Kendrick Lamar’s Legacy
Snoop’s official endorsement of Kendrick Lamar as the King of the West Coast is a significant milestone in Kendrick’s career. It acknowledges his contributions to hip-hop and recognizes his role in fostering unity and peace within the community. Kendrick’s journey from receiving the torch in 2011 to being crowned king in 2024 underscores his consistent impact and respect from peers and fans.
As Kendrick continues to evolve as an artist and a leader, this coronation by Snoop Dogg marks a new chapter in his legacy, one where he is not just a torchbearer but a reigning king of the West Coast hip-hop scene.
Summary
Snoop Dogg’s declaration of Kendrick Lamar as the King of the West Coast is more than just a passing of the torch; it’s an affirmation of Kendrick’s influence and contributions to hip-hop. From the 2011 torch passing to the 2024 coronation, Kendrick’s journey reflects his growth as an artist and a unifying figure in the community. As he continues to inspire and lead, Kendrick Lamar stands as a true king in the world of West Coast hip-hop.
Reference:
(HipHopHero) (HOT 97), www.vibe.com, hiphop24x7.com, hotnewhiphop.com, wikipedia.org