Snoop Dogg recently commended Kendrick Lamar for his pivotal role in fostering unity among Los Angeles’ gangs, particularly during the rapper’s well-publicized feud with Drake.
In an interview with Complex, Snoop reflected on the often hidden solidarity among L.A.’s neighborhoods, which Kendrick has successfully brought into the spotlight.
Referencing Vince Staples’ observation that L.A. gangs have long been working together behind closed doors, Snoop highlighted Kendrick’s influence. “What Vince is saying is that a lot of neighborhoods have been uniting for a long time behind closed doors, but what Kendrick did was, he united the whole city, based off him being a king.”
Snoop emphasized that Kendrick’s approach to resolving conflicts through peace rather than violence has set a new standard for the West Coast rap scene. “Taking this violent situation, which is a rap beef, and creating peace and giving the homies an opportunity to come on stage, to engage in his video, to be a part of his movement and to also move like he moves,” Snoop explained.
He continued, “If you’re going to move with Kendrick, you gotta move like Kendrick. He’s about peace. He’s about love. He ain’t from no gang. He’s from a city full of gangs and he unites cities. So that’s what this was about.”
Snoop concluded by underscoring the significance of Kendrick’s efforts: “It’s a good move for the whole West Coast culture as far as rap is concerned because violence has always been a lead thing for us on our side. So if you can take a violent rap or a violent song and create peace out of it, he should be commended for that.”
This acknowledgment from one of hip-hop’s legends solidifies Kendrick Lamar’s status as a unifier in a city often known for its divides, proving that peace can indeed emerge from conflict.
