Hitta J3: Carving His Own Legacy with Kendrick’s Support

Hitta J3, a rapper hailing from the unforgiving streets of Compton, California, is carving a path through hip-hop, drawing on a life filled with challenges and hard-earned wisdom. Known for his unfiltered storytelling, Hitta J3 blends his experiences growing up amidst gang culture, violence, and a community that shaped him, transforming them into raw, powerful music. In a recent interview with Cam Capone News, J3 opened up about his upbringing, the trials he faced, and how his love for music became his path to redemption.

Hitta J3 grew up surrounded by gang activity, with much of his upbringing marked by the struggles of poverty and the absence of a consistent father figure. His mother did her best to hold the family together, but the streets were always close by, with all their complexities and dangers. "Moms raised us to the best of her ability," he said, emphasizing the strength his mother showed during tough times. "My big brother got 25 years when I was in middle school, and from there, I just started pushing," J3 recalled. It was this brother—an early rapper with connections to artists like Lil Wayne and E-40—who was a major influence on Hitta J3's decision to turn to music.

Despite having a brother who saw some success, life was anything but easy for Hitta J3. "Growing up in Compton, man, it was real," he shared. "Shootouts in broad daylight, fades, drugs—that's all a n**** ever seen." J3 was deeply involved in the street life from a young age, jumping into gang culture by the time he was just a teenager. He remembers gang-banging as early as elementary school, "writing on my chair, banging on school desks."

Violence seemed to follow Hitta J3. At just 14, he was shot for the first time, a life-threatening moment that would have left many shaken to the core. "I got hit right here," he said, pointing to his stomach. "I was in a coma for about a month." He spoke about the aftermath of being shot: losing a gallbladder, and his stomach having to heal naturally. "When I woke up, I couldn't talk or walk. I had to learn it all again," he recalled. It was a traumatic experience, but one that failed to scare him away from street life. A couple of years later, at age 16, he was shot again—this time in his arm. The danger was constant, but J3 explains that, in Compton, survival often becomes a mindset. "You either make it or die in this shit. And some people get accustomed to that fate," he shared.

Yet, despite the pull of the streets, music was always there as an escape, a means to build something different. Inspired by his brother, Hitta J3 began making music at 12, slowly channeling his experiences into lyrics. He describes those early days as a balancing act—trying to survive in a violent environment while finding a way to speak his truth through music. His breakout track, "Where I'm From," captured the gritty reality of his hometown and caught the attention of other artists. Collaborations soon followed, and J3 quickly established a name for himself in the local hip-hop scene.

Hitta J3’s relationship with Compton legend Kendrick Lamar proved to be transformative. Kendrick, who rose to mainstream fame but never severed his roots, extended a hand to J3, seeing potential in the young artist. "Kendrick gave me features for free and supported me however he could," J3 said. He even appeared on Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly album cover, a testament to the respect he earned. "Kendrick a real one," J3 continued, "he’s put homies on flights and shown us a life beyond the hood. He helps the community, pays for funerals, and puts money on homies' books."

That sense of loyalty—to family, to friends, and to the community—is a running theme in J3's story. Growing up with ties to rival gangs, Hitta J3 had to navigate complex family dynamics. "I got cousins from the other side," he said. "My brother was considered an op." But for J3, family always came first. "We never let it mess up the bond we had," he shared, talking about the fights and the pressure that came with these relationships. Despite it all, he stood by his brother, even when their allegiances might have suggested otherwise. "Some people love their hood more than their family, but I wasn’t one of them."

His commitment to loyalty and authenticity translated into his music. Collaborations with artists like Mozzy, Game, and even newer names like EST Gee have allowed Hitta J3 to grow his reach and prove that he’s more than just a street rapper. "I’ve got big records with Mazy, EST Gee, and more," he mentioned, excited about the upcoming projects he has in the pipeline. He also spoke proudly about his recently dropped project, Root Print, which showcases his evolving sound and ambition to tell his story in the most honest way possible.

J3’s focus on community upliftment mirrors Kendrick’s influence. He’s been active in giving back, participating in community events, and maintaining connections with those still struggling to rise above the circumstances of their environment. He understands the allure of the streets but wants the next generation to see there’s another way. "I’ve seen it all, but I’m here to show you can survive it. You can make it out," he said, determined to inspire those who listen to his music.

Even now, as his star rises, Hitta J3 remains grounded. He is constantly working in the studio, crafting records that speak to his roots, and collaborating with others who share his vision. His upcoming work is set to be a testament to his hustle, talent, and dedication to turning his pain into art that resonates far beyond Compton. "I’m staying in their face," he said. "I’m not just trying to make it for me, but for everyone that comes from where I come from."

Hitta J3’s journey from Compton’s streets to becoming a respected name in hip-hop isn’t just a story about success—it’s about resilience, loyalty, and the power of music to transform a life. He’s been through the fire, and now he’s using his platform to light the way for others.