Each year, thousands of people gather in Watts for a special holiday celebration, all thanks to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the famous record label founded by Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith. This free concert has become a yearly tradition at Nickerson Gardens, where people come together to enjoy great music and give back to the community. The only thing guests need to bring is an unwrapped gift to share.
Tiffith shared how things have changed over the years. “People used to run from here,” he said, referring to Nickerson Gardens, but now, it’s a different story. “The community – no problems, no issues every year. We embrace this.” His efforts have helped turn the area into a hub of holiday cheer instead of a place people tried to avoid.
The concert featured around 20 artists, including big names like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, who are both part of TDE. Grammy-nominated artist Sir explained the heart behind the event: “I know there are a lot of families that are low income that can’t afford to do everything they want for their kids,” he said. “So this is just a way for us to help them and be a blessing to the community.”
The gifts brought in are given to kids at Nickerson Gardens on the second day of the event, ensuring every child gets something special. This marked the 11th year of the event, and the impact is huge. “Every year we service about 5,000 kids that come through the gym at Nickerson Gardens,” said Lena Franklin from the label. “We try to give them as much as we can – sometimes four or five presents. The kids do not leave empty-handed.” It’s a day full of giving, joy, and making sure everyone leaves with a smile.
