Before he steps on stage to accept any Grammy awards—and with 11 nominations, his chances are looking pretty good—Kendrick Lamar will be given a key to his hometown, Compton. Rap-Up reports that the platinum-selling artist, who also had the distinction of landing on our Best Albums Of 2015 list, will receive a key to the city on February 13, just two days before the Grammy proceedings.
Compton mayor Aja Brown called Lamar a “phenomenal artist whose work has served as a catalyst to raise a new level of consciousness for this generation,” and elaborated on the decision in an official statement.
“I believe Kendrick Lamar is not only an artist, but an influencer of an entire generation. He represents Compton with great pride and I am honored to present him with the Key to the City, which symbolizes our deep appreciation for his philanthropic work and commitment to our community.”
Lamar’s been forthcoming about his civic pride which, in addition to his success, earned him the California State Senate’s Generational Icon Award in 2015. On Thursday, the rapper tweeted his appreciation for being given a key to the city, which is probably still just a symbolic gesture that won’t involve bringing in the city’s mail and newspapers or feeding its cats while it’s away for a few weeks.
[h/t Pitchfork]