COMPTON CALIFORNIA
Poem + Commentary (audio)
Pictured: The MLK Memorial site, in Compton, CA, in the greater Los Angeles area
Here we go…let’s travel to a place not necesssarily on the tourism map- yet, it’s a much talked about and beloved place, with the cool West Coast Cali/hip hop factor in its favor. The original inspiration of the “Straight Outta…” tees.
We’re going to… COMPTON CALIFORNIA!
C all it ghetto, call it ghetto fabulous...
O rdinary folk of the “Hub City” populous are
M akin’ it below and just above poverty
P ayin’ their dues (taxes high as the sky! Err!)
T acklin’ the ‘hood on the daily
O vercoming it all with great spirit
N everending faith holds this place together
C ryin’ shame here... high crime is overall
A ssociated with its good, pioneer name
L eave it to “da system” to stifle this place that
I nitially had great economic potential
F arm rich fields and all
O n the bright side… California homie love
R emains for Hub City
N eva stops rockin’
I n the end, it’s still
“A ll good in the hood”
READ FOLLOW BOOKMARK REVISIT BOOK TRAVEL DIRECTLY LEAVE A DONATION
Also read, like and share: LOS ANGELES (#1) LOS ANGELES (#2)
MORE ON COMPTON
CITY CENTER w/ AERIAL OF MLK MEMORIAL
COMPTON…
is mentioned in the rap classic hit, “California Love” by TuPac featuring Dr. Dre.
“ In the city, the city of Compton/ We keep it rockin’ “
EVEN MORE ON COMPTON
ANTI-GANG SIGN ON THE BLOCK
COMMENTARY
ABOUT COMPTON FAVE FOOD JOINT, TAM’S BURGERS
& “NOT LIKE US”
COMMENTARY:
Breaking Down “Not Like Us” From Stayfreeradioip.com
TAM’S BURGERS MENU AND MORE
Eat HEALTHY at Hub City restaurant PLANET HEALTH
Opt for the best, highest rated sushi- yes , in Compton, at KUMI KO
A most beloved soul food joint, ALMA’S PLACE
Farms and cowboy culture exists in Compton? Yes!
COMMENTARY:
Also hear Marinarena’s fave Keb Mo songs: THE ITCH (LIVE) VICTIMS OF COMFORT
This is very haunting. As I read the title, I kept thinking in my head California Love, by Tupac and it was playing along in my head as I read this poem. Then I read your afterword. You have captured the beauty of California and no matter what it cannot disguise the social inabilities and social issues the region experiences. Wonderful work!
This was a great post! Love the Compton poem!