“We haven’t seen this type of unity on the West since we lost our brother Nipsey Hussle,” says Tim Hinshaw, owner of Free Lunch, as he speaks to Billboard about the recent Pop Out concert. Organized by Kendrick Lamar and Free Lunch, the event was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity, featuring L.A.’s biggest names like Dr. Dre, Tyler, the Creator, Ty Dolla $ign, Steve Lacy, Mustard, and more.
During the concert, Lamar emphasized the importance of unity and support within the community. “This moment was bigger than a back and forth; it was about supporting each other and showing the world that we could come together for a greater cause,” he stated on stage.
The event supported 20 local charities and community initiatives, including the Compton G.irls Club. Chrystani Heinrich, founder and executive director of the club, expressed gratitude, saying, “We would like to thank pgLang and Free Lunch for recognizing their roots and supporting g.irls from the hood. It’s refreshing to know that Kendrick always comes back to the community to support the next generation.”
Mustard, who performed alongside Lamar and DJ Hed, highlighted the broader impact of the event. “The Pop Out concert had a significant impact on the city, unifying West Coast hip-hop, providing a platform for emerging talent, celebrating Black culture, and revitalizing the local music scene,” he told Billboard. “It garnered global attention but also allowed us artists to give back to different programs based around South L.A. and put L.A. back in the driver’s seat for music, something that’s been long overdue.”
The event celebrated Juneteenth and brought together an impressive lineup of guests and charities, underscoring the enduring strength and unity within the L.A. community.
Charities Supported:
Alma Backyard Farms
Boys & Girls Clubs of Carson
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor
Brotherhood Crusade
Color Compton
Compton Advocates Coalition
Compton G.irls Club
DREAMHAUS LA
Friends at Mafundi
It’s Bigger Than Us
Love + Ethos
Peace4Kids
Safe Place for Youth
Sisters of Watts
Social Justice Learning Institute
Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center
The Hidden Genius Project
Thinkwatts Foundation
Tommy The Clown Foundation
Unearth & Empower Communities
Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert was more than a music event; it was a significant step towards fostering community support and unity, proving that together, L.A. can achieve great things.
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