The Ken & Friends: The Pop Out concert at The Forum in Inglewood, California, showcased Kendrick Lamar‘s ability to unify and uplift the West Coast rap scene, Hot97 reports. The event, which trended at number one on X throughout the evening, featured a star-studded lineup of L.A. artists including Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Dr. Dre, who performed classics like “Still D.R.E.” and “California Love.”

Amidst the celebration of West Coast talent, Snoop Dogg, from Canada, sent a heartfelt message to Kendrick Lamar, praising him as the “king of the west.” Despite being in Drake's territory, Snoop emphasized the significance of unity and peace among West Coast artists, highlighting the beauty of seeing everyone come together for the event.

“Top of the morning, Big Snoop Dogg coming at you live from Canada,” Snoop began his message. “Sending a big shoutout to K.Dot and all the homies from the West that stood together, unified, organized, in peace [and] love. That was beautiful, that was fun to watch. Beautiful to see all of my peoples coming together. And, um, K.Dot… you are the king of the west. That's the kind of s**t kings do: we unite. We bring our peoples together.”

Mixed Signals and Neutral Stance

While Snoop Dogg has been vocal about supporting both Kendrick Lamar and Drake, his recent praise for Lamar underscores a shift towards emphasizing unity over rivalry. Despite Drake using an A.I. Snoop verse in a diss track aimed at Kendrick, and Snoop's Death Row now being under the OVO-affiliated Gamma, the Long Beach native continues to maintain a neutral stance publicly.

Rapper The Game also chimed in, sharing his thoughts on the Pop Out via Instagram live, despite not attending the event. “I ain’t have to be there to think that the s**t was motherf-cking cool,” Game expressed, echoing the sentiment of admiration for the West Coast gathering.

In previous statements, Snoop Dogg refused to take sides in the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake beef, emphasizing that he views both artists positively and credits them with revitalizing the rap scene. “Those are my nephews,” he mentioned during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I’m not in the middle of it. I support both of them and that’s personal business, not my business.”

This nuanced stance from Snoop Dogg reflects his broader perspective on the importance of collaboration and community within the rap industry. Despite occasional complexities and affiliations, he chooses to highlight the positive contributions of both artists rather than perpetuate divisions.

Emphasizing Unity and West Coast Pride

The recent outpouring of praise from Snoop Dogg and other West Coast artists during Kendrick Lamar's concert underscores a shift towards celebrating unity and cultural pride over inter-artist conflicts. This emphasis on solidarity resonates deeply within the hip-hop community, where collaborations and mutual respect often define success more than competitive rivalries.

As the West Coast continues to produce influential artists and shape the trajectory of rap music, events like the Ken & Friends: The Pop Out concert serve as reminders of the power of collective strength. Kendrick Lamar's ability to bring together a diverse array of talent reflects his stature as a unifying force in the industry, earning him accolades from peers like Snoop Dogg.

Looking ahead, the legacy of events like these not only strengthens the bonds within the rap community but also sets a precedent for future generations of artists. As Snoop Dogg's message illustrates, true kingship in rap involves not only lyrical prowess but also the ability to unite and uplift those around them, creating a lasting impact beyond music charts and rivalries.

In conclusion, while rap beefs may capture headlines, moments of unity and pride, like those witnessed at Kendrick Lamar's concert, resonate far deeper within the culture, shaping its evolution and celebrating its rich heritage.