Rapper honoured by California State Senate

Kendrick Lamar has been bestowed with an honour, the 'Generational Icon' accolade by his home State of California.

Fellow Compton native Senator Isadore Hall III presented Lamar with the honor and praised his rise from local rapper to global star. He commended his continued ties to his neighborhood and contributions to helping keep kids in school and off the streets.

"It's definitely an honor to be right here in front of you guys," he said. "Being from the city of Compton and knowing the parks played at and the neighborhoods, and I always thought about how great the opportunity would be to give back to my community off of what I do in music. So in order to do that from a city all the way to a state standpoint and have these young kids look to me as some type of inspiration is really an honor and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for honoring me today."

Lamar gave a speech at the ceremonial event, discussing giving back to the community. Watch the speech in full below and see photos.