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Arts & Entertainment

Watch Kendrick Lamar Receive The Key To The City Of Compton

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Compton celebrated today as rapper Kenrick Lamar was awarded the key to the city.

Lamar, born and raised in Compton, was introduced by the city's Mayor Aja Brown, who quoted his black pride anthem "Alright" according to Pitchfork.

Here's Lamar's speech, which took place at the Martin Luther King Monument at Civic Center Plaza this morning. He talks about growing up in Compton, and the spots he and his family used to walk to, while brimming with pride. His speech, while brief is inspiring:

In a statement issued before the ceremony, Mayor Brown said, "Kendrick Lamar is a phenomenal artist whose work has served as a catalyst to raise a new level of consciousness for this generation...His message challenges the status quo and motivates listeners to rethink our society's institutions."

There were several performances before the ceremony, like this troupe of amazing little girls dancing to "King Kunta." Yesss.

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Don't you just love him?

And hell, why not post the video for K Dot's Compton love letter, "King Kunta" while we're here:

Related:
Look At How Happy Obama And Kendrick Lamar Are To Meet Each Other
Video: Compton Raps To Kendrick Lamar's 'Alright'
Kendrick Lamar Does Crazy Stunts In DTLA For New Music Video

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