The California State Senate named Kendrick Lamar the 35th Senate District’s “Generational Icon” Monday and presented him with an award in the capitol building. Senator Isadore Hall III, who is also from Compton, introduced Kendrick and commended the 27-year-old for maintaining ties with his home community. The rapper made a brief acceptance speech in which he commented on his continued efforts to give back to the city:

Being from the city of Compton and knowing the parks that I played at and neighborhoods, I always thought how great the opportunity would be to give back to my community.

Watch a video of the ceremony and check out photos of Lamar with Governor Jerry Brown and Senator Isadore Hall III below.

Spotted at the office. pic.twitter.com/q63sL254Ea

— Gov. Brown Press Ofc (@GovPressOffice) May 11, 2015

Honored to recognize #sd35 & Compton native @kendricklamar today by the #casenate #caleg pic.twitter.com/1JbFrwbIM4

— Dr. Isadore Hall,III (@isadorehall) May 11, 2015

A great meeting w/ @kendricklamar & #California Governor @JerryBrownGov #caleaders #caleg #sd35 pic.twitter.com/QQdT0sXuOr

— Dr. Isadore Hall,III (@isadorehall) May 12, 2015