Kendrick Lamar is getting called out by several business owners who lost money amid the filming of “Not Like Us.” According to the LA Times, the Compton-based business owners blame Lamar and PG Lang for their financial losses. Corina Plesant, the owner of Alma’s Place tells the Times on the day of the shoot little to no customers were coming in. She also says the parking lot— which she shares with other nearby businesses — was flooded with residents looking for a shot to be in the video.
Pleasant alleges she and several other local businesses lost thousands. As a small business owner, every dollar matters, she says. “It was really disheartening to have the electricity on and gas.” Pleasant continues: “I’m just running everything and making no money. I literally was there for nothing, because the little money that I did make, I had to pay my staff with that.”
She also blames city officials for their lack of information. The Alma’s Place owner said if some notice had been given she could’ve closed up shop for the day. Pleasant claims to have lost between $1,800 to $2,200 that day, the Times reports. A representative for the City of Compton said in a statement that small businesses are the “backbone of the city.” He adds, “We want to continue to keep an open line of communication and do everything we can to support economic growth.”
Kendrick Lamar Drops Off New Track, “Untitled”
In other news, Kendrick Lamar surprises fans after releasing new “Untitled” track. The song marks his first release after dropping off his hit single “Not Like Us.” It debuted at No.1 upon its release and gained steam with each passing day. The new song could be an indicator of what his rumored next album will focus. One line, in particular, stands out: “Just walked that man down, that’ll do everyone a solid / It’s love but tough love, sometimes you gotta result in violence.”
*Update: The owner of Alma’s place says she was misquoted that the blame is on the city, not Kendrick. “THIS ENTIRE POST IS MISQUOT3D AND PUSHING A NARRATIVE THAT WE DO NOT REPRESENT! People,please do not believe everything you read. Words have been twisted, and it’s not right. The city should have made better decisions with notification to tax paying business owners. We, in no way have any negative commentary for Kendrick. This was a city issue!” she wrote in DJ Akademiks’ comment section on Instagram after he reposted the Times’ story.