The California State Senate recognized Compton rapper Kendrick Lamar as the 35th District’s “generational icon” on May 11.

Senator Isadore Hall III presented the 27-year-old MC with the honor on the floor of the legislative body.

In less than ten years as a professional artist, Mr. Lamar has gone from a local Compton young boy to become a multi-platinum, Billboard chart topping, two-time Grammy award winning musician.

Lamar was also recognized for his generous donations to the Compton Unified School District and other non-profit organizations. He expressed his appreciation for the award in a short acceptance speech. 

It’s definitely an honor to be right here in front of you guys. Being from the city of Compton and knowing the parks that I played at and the neighborhoods, I always thought how great the opportunity would be to give back to my community off of what I do in music. 

Watch the video above.