Kendrick Lamar is having a moment.
Not only have six of the rapper's singles from his latest album To Pimp a Butterfly appeared in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but the 27-year-old star was also recognized for his philanthropic work by the California State Senate earlier this month when he was presented with the Generational Icon Award.
Oh, and in case you missed the biggest music video debut of 2015, let us remind you that the musician also appears in Taylor Swift's star-studded "Bad Blood" video in addition to collaborating with the pop star on the hit single's remix.
So, how did Lamar end up starring as Welvin Da Great in the epic clip alongside a bevy of beauties including Cara Delevingne, Martha Hunt, Karlie Kloss, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Ellen Pompeo, Lena Dunham, Mariska Hargitay and more?
I chose my Compton Boy Welven as King. Always had personality. Confidence and self love making it out the city. Hero pic.twitter.com/Tt9gopuZxY
— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) May 11, 2015
"She reached out," the Compton-born recording artist revealed during a rare television appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday. "I've always been a fan of hers, and she was a fan of my music and she reached out and we got it done."
During his chat with DeGeneres (who adorably fan-girled over Lamar), the two-time Grammy-winning rapper also shared his appreciation for his recent honor and shed further light on his goal to present a positive message to fans.
"It means everything to me," he said of the Generational Icon Award. "Because I know there's a lot of kids in my neighborhood that are watching TV and saying 'You know what, I want to be a positive influence just like Kendrick Lamar, or whoever is out there doing something for the good.'"
Ellen continued praising the rapper and made note of his Compton roots, at which point Lamar acknowledged his parents' sound influence.
"I blame my parents," he said with a smile. "They put something in my heart to do something worthier than what I was raised around and taking all my influence, whether negative or positive, and doing something in the right way."
Last but certainly not least, the rapper gave a passionate performance of his hit "These Walls," which was complete with a couple dancing as well as an artist painting on stage.
Trust, it's a must watch if you're a fan of Lamar!Larry Busacca/WireImage
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