Controversial Rapper Kodak Black Honored with the Key to His Hometown, City of Pompano Beach  

From Struggle Comes Redemption 

By Kristen Hernandez 

Pompano Beach, FL – Grammy-nominated rapper and philanthropist Kodak Black was honored on July 8, 2025, with the “Key to the City” of his hometown Pompano Beach by Mayor Rex Hardin and City Manager Greg Harrison. The well-deserved recognition was notably for his “outstanding generosity and community impact” in the Northwest section of the city. 

But about an hour after the symbolic gesture, when the media cameras were packed away and city officials returned to city business, after Kodak Black greeted a gathered crowd of waiting fans with pictures and autographs, he quietly climbed into the back of his custom Tesla Cyber Truck. He wore dark sunglasses and sat there with his head down as if the burden of it all was a heavy weight, and the golden Key by his feet. 

His is a true rags to riches story, despite the troubling legal issues that have plagued his career. His rise to stardom hasn’t come easy, but Kodak Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, has never forgotten the residents of the Green Acres Housing Projects, where he was born and raised.  

“My first reaction was like, damn…me?” said Kodak Black, during a one-on-one interview with Villij News. “I’m lost for words, it’s so special and unexpected. I don’t have a speech. God gets all the glory.” 

As a young Haitian-American kid, he was a dreamer. He’d often visit the well-manicured neighboring cities and dream big. But those surrounding him tried to keep him grounded regarding his future. 

“When I was a kid, I’d sit by Lighthouse Point and think, ‘I could be a firefighter’”, said Kodak Black. “I was told ‘be realistic’, so I’m thinking an architect, the CIA, but everybody said you gotta be realistic. So, I put the pain and struggle onto paper. I wanted to create music.” 

Kodak Black turned his unapologetic storytelling, gritty voice and style, and his lyricism and spun it into gold. Although he was snubbed for a Grammy after receiving two nominations, he pushed forward to become one of the most influential voices in the hip hop world.  

And no matter what recognitions Kodak Black received, he has not forgotten his people, or his roots in the city of Pompano Beach. His storytelling is often autobiographical, and reflects the true struggle, poverty, crime, perseverance and lifestyle Black residents in the Northwest district face on a daily basis. He weaves tales of Haitian politics, his cultural roots and voodoo symbolism that encompasses Haitian American culture.  

When asked how he felt about receiving the symbolic Key to the City, to his own city, Kodak Black took a moment and looked down at the Key that lay at his feet.  

“I’m scared of this,” he said, pointing to the award. “But the devil has no power. It’s like I’ve been chosen.” 

Despite all his past and recent legal troubles, Kodak Black stays close to his heritage. He was born in Broward County and raised in Northwest Pompano Beach, experienced the plaque of slum and blight throughout the neighborhood, and what life’s really like living just “over the tracks”, mere blocks away from the glamour and wealth of the nearby recently beatified beach area. 

It’s for that reason that Kodak Black played a monumental role in helping residents of the Northwest thrive with philanthropy and charitable giving. He’s the honored guest of Kodak Black Day that’s held at Pompano Beach Community Park where he provides scholarships for Black and Haitian American students from his alma matter, Blanche Ely High School. 

“Kodak [Black] was chosen because of his many years of philanthropic efforts in Pompano Beach,” said Sandra King, Pompano Beach Strategic Communications Administrator. “Over the years, he’s donated air conditioning units to families during Florida’s hottest months, handed out hundreds of turkeys during the holidays, made sure local kids receive bikes and gifts every Christmas. He’s also helped prevent homelessness by paying rent for more than 200 families – twice – during times of economic hardship.” 

In fact, Kodak Black has also donated to Haitian relief efforts after natural disasters, funded scholarships, advocated for Haitian American representation in music and politics, and hosts numerous community events centering around District 4. And yet, Kodak Black did not want any recognition. 

“I’ve been on the other side of things,” Kodak Black said. “I came from nothin’. I’m thankful for my past. It’s made me who I am.”