Kendrick Lamar received the key to the city of Compton, California today (February 13).
The To Pimp a Butterfly rapper was given the honor by the city’s mayor, Aja Brown.
“Where we from, it means strength, period, point blank,” Lamar says in his acceptance speech, according to an Instagram video captured by 93.5 KDAY.
Lamar has been vocal about representing his city, which is also the hometown of a number of major rap acts, including N.W.A, DJ Quik, The Game and YG.
“There’s a lot of kids that grew up the way I did,” Lamar said in June about being an inspiration to kids from Compton, “that feel like there’s no way out. We don’t get a lot of celebrities or whatnot to come to the city and actually put they hand back in the city and say, ‘You can do it, too.’ I feel like it’s only right that I champion them, let them know I’ll always be behind them. Let them know I know the sacrifices and the struggles they go through and give ’em some type of inspiration.”
View social media posts about Kendrick Lamar receiving the key to the city of Compton below:
(This article was first published on January 14, 2016 and is as follows.)
Compton, California Mayor Aja Brown took to Twitter today (January 14) to announce that Kendrick Lamar will receive a key to the city.
“.@kendricklamar you inspire millions + rep #Compton w/ honor!” she writes. “Excited to give you the #keytothecity Feb13th! #VisionForCompton #ComptonUp.”
Lamar responds with gratitude.
“@AjaLBrown I appreciate that,” he writes. “HUBLUV.”
Lamar has been vocal about representing his city, which is also the hometown of a number of major rap acts, including N.W.A, DJ Quik, The Game and YG.
“There’s a lot of kids that grew up the way I did,” Lamar said in June about being an inspiration to kids from Compton, “that feel like there’s no way out. We don’t get a lot of celebrities or whatnot to come to the city and actually put they hand back in the city and say, ‘You can do it, too.’ I feel like it’s only right that I champion them, let them know I’ll always be behind them. Let them know I know the sacrifices and the struggles they go through and give ’em some type of inspiration.”
Lamar had a song with Dr. Dre on his major label debut album, good kid m.A.A.d. city, dedicated to Compton. He also had an album signing for his sophomore LP, To Pimp a Butterfly, in the city.
View the social media posts from Mayor Aja Brown and Kendrick Lamar about receiving a key to the city below:
For additional Kendrick Lamar coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
thats dope congrats
He only has two albums,he is just an alright rapper wonder where all the hype is coming from
3 albums, section.80.
4 albums. Overly Dedicated.
2 major label albums.
Getting the key to Compton is like getting the restroom key at your local gas station.
Its like almost every 3 years we get a new generic hood “star” that talks about how he grew up in the hood and wants to be a Role Model to the youth and “Inspire” and give back. Its so cute and original, like a basket full of kittens.
You’re jealous Motherfucka
Much deserved lets make sure we support TDE an other quality Hiphop artist an groups.. Be Healthy
*correction* Support Kendrick. Let’s be honest, the rest of his camp is subpar at best
It’s dope Kendrick gets love from his city and plays neutral even though he is definitely a member of the West Side Bompton Piru’s
See why people always good put a negative spin on something positive?? What the fuck does that matter?!
*the most versatile rapper of this era…#SECTION80
So does the key open all the Compton window cages or is it just ceremonial? Good for you Kendrick
Drizzaveli getting the key to Toronto is way better than Kendrick getting the key to a dump that is Compton. #DrakeIsLoveDrakeIsLife
shut the fuck up with that queer drixxevielli bullshit fuckin cockgobbler. #DRAKEISFAKEDRAKEISWACK
Hmm. What if this is a Compton be Toronto thing. Both have amazing artists, and are trying to outdo the other by acknowledging their artist.
Congrats, Kendrick. So much rich musical history coming outta Compton. Has to be an honor for someone like him.
royce got honored by the major too u kno
lol keys to compton. Why would anyone even want the keys to that garbage shithole. Going to compton is like asking some1 to rob u and shoot u.
LOL because you’ve been to Compton. Easy for you to talk shit behind a keyboard about a city that’s important to hip-hop history.
sit down