As the world said goodbye to the late Nipsey Hussle yesterday, Kendrick Lamar also extended his sentiments to the rapper who he says was “a vessel from God.”

In a moving letter included in the program for Hussle’s memorial service on Thursday (April 11), Lamar recalled his first meeting with the Los Angeles native. “I remember trekking cities alongside Nipsey and family. Both performing as opening acts on The Game LAX Tour,” he wrote. “Though I was a there as support for my brother Jay Rock, Nipsey greeted me as one of his own.”

The DAMN. rapper went on to talk about his admiration for Hussle as a musician and person. “Casually I would go out to the crowd and listen to the substance he spewed on stage. Thinking to myself, this is the type of talent I want to be apart of,” he shared, adding, “His charisma and way with words was powerful. But his integrity as a person, made me even more enthused.”

“I watched a young, ambitious black male orchestrate fellowship amongst the men around him on that tour. Determined to execute one thing — and that was Greatness. Greatness in knowledge, greatness in wealth, and greatness in self,” Lamar continued. According to the “Humble” emcee, he quickly realized Hussle was “a radical” and “a thinker” from Crenshaw and Slauson Ave who cared about his community.

“But most importantly, he was a vessel from God. As my heart aches for him and his family. I understand that the Most High doesn’t make mistakes,” Lamar stated. “I pray that Ermias Foundation continues to blossom. I pray for those who trespass against it.”

Lamar ended his heartfelt tribute referring to the slain rapper as a “King,” writing, “A true King will be tested in adversity. To stand in fearlessness in what he believes will impact on earth, as well as in heaven. So thank you Nipsey The Radical. Nipsey The Husband. Nipsey The Friend. Nipsey The Great. And from now on, Nipsey The Messenger…… Shalom.”

Read his full address featured inside the memorial program obtained by TMZ here.