WATTS – Music executive Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith was honored not far from the Watts housing project he grew up in by the areas Councilman Tim McOsker on March 2.
McOsker honored Tiffith, the founder of Top Dawg Entertainment, who grew up in the Nickerson Gardens housing project and continues to give back to the community through a variety of events.
“Starting today, whenever you drive through Central Ave. at Imperial Hwy. – either entering or exiting Watts – you’ll be passing through Anthony Tiffith “Top Dawg” Square. You can look up and be reminded of a great man from Nickerson Gardens, the founder of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), who is still leaving his mark on the world, but never forgot his roots and continues to give back,” said McOsker “From holiday concerts and gift drives, to free Black Panther showings for Watts kids, to helping folks make their rent payments during the pandemic – Top Dawg impact cannot be understated. It was so powerful to be with his family, friends, and TDE today to recognize and appreciate a man who has uplifted so many.”
The label was founded in 2004 by Tiffith. His son, Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith Jr., and Terrence “Punch” Henderson are the presidents of the label.
“Growing up in the project, it was tough. You know, we went through a lot of things, but the goal was to come back, build and teach,” said Tiffith. “I never thought I’d be standing here getting this intersection named after me. Never in my wildest dreams, and I appreciate it.”
TDE is home to artists Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, SZA, Inglewood SiR, and others.
As a young man, Tiffith began scouting local talent as a way to escape Watts street life. He built a recording studio, called “House of Pain,” and created the record label Top Dawg Entertainment (T.D.E.), inspired by his nickname, Top Dawg.
T.D.E.’s first signing was Jay Rock, who joined the label in 2005. Artists Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. were also signed. To date, there are currently 11 artists signed to T.D.E.
McOsker acknowledged Top Dawg’s community involvement with the annual T.D.E. community Christmas event which features artists from his label.
“In December 2023, T.D.E. hosted its 10th annual T.D.E. Christmas event, an event that is marked by gracious resources provided to residents over a two-day period, including a star-studded concert for the community,” said McOsker.
Tiffith was recognized at City Hall on March 1 for his contributions to his community.
“We are acknowledging this great man and this great organization, but also Watts, which is full of so many next Top Dawgs,” McOsker said. “There is so much talent and there’s so much opportunity, and we lift each other up when we come together.”
Watts continues to go through a dramatic transformation as more retail development has come online and the revitalization of nearby housing projects that began in 2017.
