This Friday, June 19th, the City of Compton will once again hold “Dre Day” to celebrate one its most famous residents, Andre “Dre Dre” Young. This is the 2nd year the event will be held at the Compton Community Center.
At last year’s inaugural event, mayor Aja Brown, offered Dr. Dre keys to the city. Unfortunately, he wasn’t in attendance to receive them.
Unlike her predecessor, the former mayor Omar Bradley, didn’t like the city being known for “gangsta rap”. Although the LA Times bestowed the moniker “King of Compton” on Bradley, he was also adamant about not wanting gangster rap videos/movies being filmed in the city, fearing it would further the negative connotation the city had.
Ultimately Dr. Dre and Ice Cube were given permission to film their movie “Straight Outta Compton” in city limits, which resulted in the death of Terry Carter, who was involved with its production. The family has since sued the filmmakers for not providing adequate security.
Last year the mayor was seeking donations from the billionaire mogul, this year she most likely wants another peaceful and safe event.
In addition to Dr. Dre and DJ Quik, Kendrick Lamar and The Game will also be honored (the attendance of the latter three is confirmed, says the event’s organizer Marvin Kincy), as will Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine, who will receive an “Honorary Homeboy” award. Even if Dre doesn’t make it, one can’t help but be glad the event is going down. The city of Compton should by all means be profiting from their finest export.
All of the honorees have solid relationships with elected officials: city council members Isaac Galvan and Janna Zurita and Compton school board member Satra Zurita, which has resulted in numerous sponsorships for the city’s children.
Dre Day takes place Friday, June 19 at the Compton Community Center, 301 N. Tamarind Ave. Tickets are $40, and can be purchased through Silvia Nunn Angels, 200 N. Long Beach Blvd. The event goes from 8 p.m.-midnight, and there will be finger foods and wine.