2024 is shaping up to be the year the West Coast took center stage in hip-hop culture. From Snoop Dogg becoming the face of the Paris Olympic Games to Kendrick Lamar’s historic "Pop Out" concert and YG brokering a local gang truce most recently, the region is more united and influential than ever. Among the rising stars fueling this momentum is Kalan.FrFr, a Roc Nation artist from Los Angeles County who has steadily built a loyal following over the past decade with his consistently impressive music and genuine community involvement.

This year has been monumental for the melodic rapper, who recently hosted his fifth annual TwoFR Day at Compton College in mid-August. The community-focused event offered free backpacks, shoe giveaways, and fun activities like face painting, culminating in a live performance by Kalan.FrFr. 

In an interview with BET.com, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the chance to give back to his community. 

“I just feel like this is where I’m supposed to be,” said Kalan.FrFr. “I feel like that’s what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m fortunate to be able to give back to a lot of people and then I got so many people that came together to help and put their foot forward to make sure this came through.”

Over the past four years, TwoFR Day has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings. The first two events came together in about a week, featuring a simple setup with a jumper, a barbecue, and a performance on a backstreet near Compton College. Today, the event requires months of planning, involving the coordination of corporate sponsors like True Religion, Adidas, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and AT&T, as well as organizing food vendors and activities and managing logistics such as security.

“Outside of donations, I pay around $60,000 out of pocket,” explained Kalan.FrFr. “That’s just things like security and insurance. You ain’t used to hustling if you ain’t going to spend nothing without making it back but I get back in the love though. It still feels great.” 

This is all part of Kalan.FrFr's dedication to his recent mantra, "Make the West Great Again," driven by his desire to counter the negative perceptions surrounding the region.

“You keep hearing all these podcasts and all these interviews like the West ain’t this and the West aint that,” Kalan.FrFr said. “I’m like man, yall don’t have a clue. This is one of the only places that you can blow up and never have to leave here. We got a lot more politics than other places but as a person from LA, there’s been tremendous growth. But if you look at it from the outsider's standpoint, it's just baby steps we're getting there.”

That mantra also inspired the title of his latest album, MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN. The project features guest appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, YG, G-Herbo, and Spooky Jay, packed with West Coast summer anthems that blend nostalgia with a modern twist. Kalan.FrFr describes MAKE THE WEST GREAT AGAIN as a deeply personal album that reflects his unique experiences growing up on the West Coast. 

He sees himself as someone who doesn't fit into any category—he's not a gang banger, a filmmaker, a skateboarder, or a conscious rapper, but he connects with people from all walks of life. Through his music, he aims to resonate with those who think like him, representing the West Coast's diverse, multifaceted nature.

“I’m cool with everybody and there’s only so many people like us in the world,” explained Kalan.FrFr. “My music is talking to people who are like me. The West is great again when I remember it like my childhood.” 

Despite his grand mission, Kalan expressed gratitude for the support he's received from fellow artists and industry veterans such as Ty Dolla $ign and even Roc Nation boss Jay-Z. He recounted Jay-Z's advice to "just keep doing this," which reinforced his belief in his path. Clearly it’s working if the sold-out show at the Hollywood Palladium the day before TwoFR Day says anything. 

Kalan.FrFr's commitment to philanthropy extends beyond his music. With a degree in social science from San Diego State, he is passionate about helping special needs children and hopes to one day contribute to the Special Olympics. His dedication was sparked by a college class where he interacted with individuals with various disabilities, inspiring him to see beyond challenges and pursue his goals with determination. That’s only the tip of his ambitious iceberg. 

“I’m into fashion and I’m working on a clothing line,” said Kalan.FrFr. “I got a lot of fashion stuff coming and I’m getting into real estate. I’m trying to get into properties. Just owning a bunch of section eight homes and medical centers.”

Kalan FRFR is not just a musician but a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for social causes. His journey reflects a deep commitment to his roots and a relentless drive to uplift those around him while staying true to his West Coast identity. As he puts it, "I'm going to do this forever. I'm just getting started."