Kendrick Lamar is not only opening doors in the music industry, but it starts with his hometown of Compton, California.
The g.o.o.d. kid will be receiving the Key to the City, as Compton Mayor Aja Brown announced the news via Twitter on Thursday.
Kendrick graciously responded, including the phrase “HUBLUV”, which refers to Compton’s “Hub City” nickname given for its central location within Los Angeles.
“He represents Compton with great pride and I am honored to present him with the Key to the City, which symbolizes our deep appreciation for his philanthropic work and commitment to our community,” the mayor said in a prepared statement. “Mr. Lamar’s achievements further Compton’s legacy of ingenuity and excellence.”
This isn’t the first civic honor the rapper has received, as last year he served as the 63rd grand marshal of the Compton Christmas Parade.
“It’s definitely an honor to be right here in front of you guys,” he told the legislature at the time. “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…. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for honoring me today.”
The rapper’s achievements have earned him acknowledgment beyond the city level, as Lamar recently met with President Obama in the Oval Office to discuss the inner-city youth program Pay It Forward, and his recent Grammy sweep nomination this year.
The city of Compton will give Lamar the Key to the City in a special celebratory ceremony, which takes place on February 13th.