![]() Lamar combines truth and fiction when describing his experiences growing up in the “Compton zoo,” a metaphorical prison of residents who have been politically deprived of basic resources and support from an ambivalent government both locally and nationally. City.” However, one of his most poignant displays of lyricism is his piece “Hood Politics” from the 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly. ![]() Lamar plays into the deadly impressions of his hometown in several of his most popular songs, such as “m.A.A.d. Most recently, the legacy of Compton has been upheld by Pulitzer Prize winning rapper Kendrick Lamar. Dre speaks of Compton as the external “American dream,” but internally, crime has gone amuck with “47 homicides last year.” However, The Homicide Report of the Los Angeles Times reports that there were 28 homicides in Compton in 2014 and 37 in 2013 - in fact, the annual homicide total suggested by Dre hasn’t been that high since 2005. From the get-go, Dre’s “Intro (Compton)” regards the mythical state of his hometown, creating many discrepancies along the way in this opening monologue. ![]() Dre, a founding member of N.W.A., exemplify the storytelling aspects of rap, with Dre continuing to frame Compton as the established ghetto of the eighties in his 2015 album Compton. and carried through rap generations to come is rooted in the commercial success of Straight Outta Compton as it “played to shrill, pervasive fears about gang violence” (Kajikawa). Although all fiction contains truth and this case is no different, the myth of Compton’s terror-stricken streets formulated by members of N.W.A. A main proponent of this view of Compton was the rap group N.W.A., often regarded highly for their journalistic lyrical content regarding dangerous impressions of the LA ‘ghetto.’ However, “the violent gang- and drug-filled world of music ignored more prosaic aspects of Compton, such as its single-family homes and history as a black, middle-class enclave” (Kajikawa). After all, this is the image of Compton painted by popular rappers: a deeply troubled city intoxicated with gangs, drugs, and murder, inescapable for its inhabitants. When searching “Compton” on Google, it doesn’t seem surprising to find two news stories regarding teens killed in Compton shootings on the first page of results. From the perspective of those who call Compton home, however, references to the city’s politics and folklore begin to blur the lines of ‘realness’ and myth. Compton represents the notorious theme of ‘keeping it real,’ heavily evident in gangsta rap. Transit Center, also located on Willowbrook along with the Metro Blue Line Compton Station.ĭowntown Compton is now home to the following businesses.From the perspective of those who call Compton home, however, references to the city’s politics and folklore begin to blur the lines of ‘realness’ and myth.Īs hip hop progressed in the past three decades, the intrigue and danger of the West Coast - particularly Compton, a suburb of Los Angeles - is constantly addressed in rap lyrics. This led to the construction of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Around this time the Los Angeles County Metro Rail System began adding the finishing touches to the Metro Blue Line that runs straight through Downtown Compton on the median of Willowbrook Avenue. This included the construction of the Compton Town Center. 1980s-1990s ĭuring the late 80s the face of Compton began to change after the election of mayor Omar Bradley. Robberies and ongoing gang violence due to the primarily African-American street gangs the Crips and the Bloods, businesses began to move elsewhere to avoid further problems. During weekends streets would be packed and filled with shoppers, especially during the holidays.ĭuring the late '70s the face of Downtown Compton began to take a drastic turn. Throughout the 1950s to early 1970s Downtown Compton was a major business district and home to many companies. The Metro A Line light rail now runs through Downtown Compton making travel to the city much easier. It is now home to many businesses, two shopping centers, and the Martin Luther King Jr. When gang violence and robberies sparked in the 70s businesses began to move out and relocate leaving Downtown Compton a ghost town. Downtown Compton started out as a thriving and safe environment throughout the early 1950s to the mid-1970s. Downtown Compton is the major business district of Compton, California.
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