Warren G to be Honored by Long Beach Boys and Girls Club

West Coast rapper Warren G will receive some hometown love from the Long Beach Boys and Girls Club during a special award ceremony scheduled for today (Dec. 18). The rapper and producer will be one of the recipients of the Boys and Girls Club's Image Award for his continued support of the Long Beach youth and community.

Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach branch director Keith Lilly said that the awards honor the efforts of successful locals who are dedicated to giving back to their community. "There is so much greatness that comes out of Long Beach," Lilly said. "It's a good feeling knowing that no matter how successful our honorees have become in life, they still continue to give back to their hometown. There's something very humbling about that. Especially at this time of the year." The award follows the release of his most recent album 'The G Files,' which hit stores in September. Despite a lengthy absence from the music scene as of late, Warren recently told HipHopWired that he believed the release of Dr. Dre's long-awaited 'Detox' album will signal a new beginning for West Coast rappers.

"What needs to happen is, we need to finish this 'Detox' ... which is going to be a classic because that's how we do it," he said. "Get that popping and that's going to open doors. From there all the West Coast artists can piggy back cause then the ear will be back towards the West Coast and we'll let everybody hear the up and coming talent because there's some tight people here."

The award ceremony will be held at the John C. Wallace/Petrolane Club in Long Beach at 4:30PM PT, followed by a toy giveaway at 5PM. Other recipients include NFL wide receiver Samie Parker, actor Percy Daggs III and pro-boxer Jeremy Williams.