"I Have a Reason to Celebrate": Part of Dewey St. Renamed Joyner Lucas Avenue on Worcester Rapper's Birthday

A Celebration of Roots and Achievement

Worcester, Massachusetts, was alive with excitement on Sunday, August 17, as the city honored one of its own with a special tribute. A section of Dewey Street was officially renamed “Joyner Lucas Avenue” in recognition of the Grammy-nominated rapper who grew up in the area. The ceremony took place at the intersection of Dewey and Chandler streets, drawing more than 200 attendees who came to celebrate both the honor and Joyner Lucas’s 37th birthday.

Lucas, who has become a prominent figure in the music industry, expressed deep gratitude for the gesture. “This is the best birthday gift I could ever ask for,” he said during the event. His words were met with cheers from the crowd, which included a young child who shouted, “Happy birthday, Joyner Lucas!” to widespread applause.

A Community Affair

The ceremony featured appearances from friends, family, and local officials, including City Councilors Khrystian E. King and Luis Ojeda, as well as Mayor Joseph M. Petty. The mayor praised Lucas for his strong connection to Worcester and his advocacy for mental health awareness and anti-drug use. He noted that Lucas never forgot his roots despite achieving national fame.

In an email shared earlier in the week, Lucas reflected on the significance of the honor. He mentioned that it was unusual for a living person to have a street named after them, emphasizing that such recognition typically comes only after someone passes away. “The feeling I felt was a lot of gratitude mixed with emotion,” he wrote.

Growing Up on Dewey Street

Lucas spent his childhood on the first floor of a three-decker at 132 Dewey St., where he recorded songs at the Worcester Youth Center’s studio. He recalled working odd jobs, selling drugs, and getting into trouble while trying to find his way. However, he always remained independent and avoided gang involvement.

At the ceremony, Lucas humorously described his brief stint as a drug dealer, calling himself “a horrible drug dealer.” Despite this, he found his true passion in music. As a youth sports coach, Ojeda watched Lucas grow up on the basketball court and recognized his dedication to music early on. “He stuck with his passion,” Ojeda said, adding that Lucas is a role model for others in the community.

A Destination for Fans

As Lucas’s music gained traction, his home on Dewey Street became a destination for Massachusetts rap fans. He recounted how people would gather outside his mother’s house, taking pictures and driving by slowly. His mother eventually became uncomfortable with the attention, prompting him to remove the tour van from the property.

Lucas rose to national fame through a series of mixtapes, collaborations with Eminem and Chris Brown, and the controversial single “I’m Not Racist.” The song sparked conversations about race in America and amassed over 154 million views on YouTube.

A Connection to Home

After the release of his debut album “ADHD” in 2021, Lucas received the Key to the City of Worcester. In a speech at City Hall, he declared, “Worcester, Massachusetts, will always be my home.” Mayor Petty referenced this moment during the ceremony, recalling a meeting where Lucas asked, “What can I do for the city of Worcester?”

Despite his busy career, Lucas continues to return to Worcester often. “It’s where I’m from and where I’m rooted,” he said. He emphasized the importance of staying grounded and connected to his roots.

A Birthday to Remember

The timing of the honor was particularly meaningful for Lucas. On the intro of his album “ADHD 2,” he joked, “I’ll probably be dead before I ever get flowers.” However, on August 17, 2025, he received not only the flowers but also a surprise birthday cake and heartfelt wishes from his children.

Lucas reflected on a time when he didn’t feel worthy of celebration. “I said, ‘I’m no longer going to celebrate for nothing,’” he said. Now, he has a reason to celebrate, thanks to the love and support of his hometown.