Kendrick Lamar is a name synonymous with Compton, his hometown. The artist most recently took home five trophies at the 58th Grammy Awards, including best rap album, but his popularity extends beyond good beats and catchy melodies – he’s also an admired role model and spokesperson.

As previously announced, Mayor Aja Brown of California has awarded the 28-year old hip-hop artist the Key to the City of Compton. “Mr Lamar’s achievements further Compton’s legacy of ingenuity and excellent,” Aja Brown said in a statement. Lamar grew up in Compton, attending Centennial High School as a teenager, where – according to city officials – he was a straight-A student.

Lamar continued to honor his hometown by inviting several students from his alma mater to accompany him to the Grammy Awards Ceremony, and participate in an informal question and answer session with the artist. Lamar took a moment in his Grammy acceptance speech to thank his label Top Dawg Entertainment for “taking these kids out of the projects, out of Compton, and putting them right on this stage to be the best they can be. We’ll never forget that.”

Centennial High School’s Principal Douglas Brown admires Lamar’s work as an artist and advocate. “He’s bringing controversial issues to light,” Brown said in an interview with Pigeons and Planes. “We have to have people like Kendrick and Beyoncé to keep people conscious of these issues, even though we’ve made plenty of progress in America.”

“He gives a good and accurate portrayal of what goes on here, and no matter what happens, like Kendrick says, ‘We gon’ be alright.’”

IMAGE: WIKI COMMONS