Compton mayor celebrates Kendrick Lamar's Grammys, applauds "strong message"

Compton mayor celebrates Kendrick Lamar’s Grammys -- and disses Drake

Kendrick Lamar performs at the 58th annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The South Los Angeles artist won five trophies and was officially congratulated by the city of Compton.

Feb. 16, 2016 9:13 AM PT

During the Grammy Awards on Monday, Compton artist Kendrick Lamar earned five trophies for work from his 2015 album “To Pimp a Butterfly.” The album, like much of his work, reflects on his life and the challenges of growing up in South Los Angeles.

His self-described “tire screeching, ambulance, policeman” city made him the artist that he is today, and Lamar fearlessly reflects on his home, the good and the bad, at every opportunity. Immediately following his victories, Compton Mayor Aja Brown issued a statement in support of Lamar’s art.

Wrote Brown on official letterhead:

“On behalf of myself, the Compton City Council and the entire city of Compton, congratulations to Kendrick Lamar Duckworth on his five GRAMMY Awards.

“As an artist, tonight Kendrick Lamar Duckworth displayed his depth of social consciousness and activism through his awe-inspiring Grammy performance—a performance that wasn’t merely for entertainment, but that was strategically designed to send a strong message to this generation and our entire society. Mr. Duckworth once again boldly challenged us to continually rethink our society’s institutions, specifically the need for change in our criminal justice system by highlighting the plight of African-American males and people of color.

When Kendrick Lamar Duckworth won tonight, Compton won. Mr. Duckworth’s achievements further Compton’s legacy of ingenuity and excellence. He represents Compton’s evolution, embodying the New Vision for Compton--purpose, prosperity and progress. I appreciate—we appreciate Mr. Lamar always representing Compton with great pride in any venue he’s in—from the White House to the GRAMMYs.

Congratulations Mr. Duckworth!”

Lamar won Grammys for rap album, rap performance, rap song, rap/sung collaboration and music video, and delivered a memorable performance of “Alright” and “The Blacker the Berry.”

Mayor Brown’s statement follows Lamar being awarded the key to the city last weekend.

“It’s better than Drake’s key,” quipped Brown, before giving the key to Lamar. “This is how we do it.”