In an emotional ceremony Saturday, Kendrick Lamar was awarded the key to the city of Compton, his hometown.

Lamar often references Compton in his music; during the ceremony Mayor Aja 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.” Pictures after the cut