Watts rapper Jay Rock gives thanks

November 27, 2008 | 8:15 am

Local rapper Jay Rock has reason to be thankful this year. The up-and-comer, tipped as L.A’s successor to the Game (who appears on "California Soul," a track from Rock’s forthcoming full length "Follow Me Home"), has a minor hit on his hands with "All My Life (in the Ghetto)," his collaboration with Lil Wayne.

But the Watts native has not forgotten his roots, and earlier this week, he made sure not to forget Nickerson Gardens, where he grew up and still lives.

"I took it upon myself to give back to my 'hood," the 23-year-old said via phone after delivering 300 turkeys to families in need Tuesday at a rally point outside the projects.

"I remember back in the days my Mom didn’t have enough for Thanksgiving," he continued. "I just thought this was a nice way to bring a little somethin’ back to the 'hood. It was lovely to see the look on their faces."

While some might cast a cynical eye on the photo op, the bottom line is that hundreds of families at Nickerson are eating well today who might not have otherwise. The rapper even dug a little deeper in the spirit of the holiday during the giveaway.

"It was brought to my attention that this lady named Teresa wasn’t able to come up with the rent," he said. "I know how that is. She was really sick, so we took care of her. We paid her rent. It was crazy. Man, she was behind like $1,700. And like it was nothin’ to me... I help my loved ones."

Rock said he hoped this wouldn't be the last year he’d be delivering Thanksgiving trimmings to the housing project.

"If I could help every ghetto, I would," he said. All indications are that his ability to give back will only grow next year; Warner/Reprise is getting behind "Follow Me Home" in a big way, with Ne-Yo and Trey Songz already slotted for cameos on the album due next spring.

And while Rock certainly has a harder side that many families inside Nickerson Gardens might not appreciate, it’s nice to see someone from the music world giving back this season.

-- Charlie Amter

Photo of Rock giving Monica Mora her Thanksgiving gift Tuesday by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times