Dr. Dre is giving back to his hometown amidst the pandemic. On Thursday (April 23), the City of Compton announced that the legendary producer and Interscope Records Co-Founder Jimmy Iovine donated funds to go toward 145,000 meals; Coronavirus tests, medical supplies and more to residents affected by COVID-19.
“Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine have always been great advocates and supporters of the City of Compton,” Compton Mayor Aja Brown said in a press statement. “Increasing access to food and vital healthcare are some of the most important ways we can make an impact for our community in this time of need.
“As issues like unemployment, food insecurity and lack of COVID-19 testing sweep the nation, I hope that this contribution will inspire others to take action, get involved and support their neighborhoods in any way they can,” she continued. “Even in a time of social distancing, this contribution is a strong testament to how we can still come together to support the communities we love.”
According to Compton officials’ website, the city has suffered a total of 183 confirmed Coronavirus cases, as of this past Sunday (April 26).
Both Dre — as a Compton native — and Iovine have made several donations to the city in past years. Five years ago, the N.W.A. co-founder announced that he would donate the proceeds from his 2015 album Compton, to build a performing arts center at the local Compton High School. In 2017, he donated $10 million toward the effort and the center is reportedly set to break ground later this year.
“Dr. Dre is a gamechanger, a constant source of support for our community seen and unseen,” Brown added. “He’s always there for our community, each and every time I call and for that I am eternally thankful. Whether he’s donating behind the scenes to ensure that Compton treasures like the Compton Cowboys’ Jr. Equestrian Center remain intact during this crisis or funding a state of the art youth performing arts center, Dr. Dre is a champion for our city.”