Ahmad Ali Lewis, a hip-hop artist, scholar, social worker, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and LBCC valedictorian from the Class of 2008, returned to the campus on June 8 to deliver the keynote address at the 2017 LBCC commencement ceremony.

At 17 years of age, Lewis rose to fame as the rap artist Ahmad. He co-founded the hip-hop fusion band 4th Avenue Jones, which released several albums and toured internationally with legendary acts including Stevie Wonder, The Black Eyed Peas and Sheryl Crow.

Lewis enrolled at Long Beach City College where he graduated at the top of his class with an AA degree. Following graduation, he transferred to Stanford University. He graduated from Stanford in 2010 with a BA in sociology. In May 2017, he earned a master’s degree in social work and pupil personnel services credential from the USC.

Today, the 41-year-old Lewis works with children, youth, and families as a clinical social worker in addition to recording new songs and writing a self-help book chronicling his experiences in the music industry and academia.