Kendrick Lamar has always been proud to rep Compton. In a video interview with Essence, he explained why promoting his hometown is important to him.

"There's a lot of kids that grew up the way I did," K.Dot told Essence. "That feel like its no way out. We don't get a lot of celebrities and whatnot to come to the city and actually put they hand back in the city and say, 'You know what, you can do it, too.' I feel like it's only right that I champion them, let them know I'll always be behind them. Let them know I know the sacrifices and the struggles they go through and give 'em some type of inspiration."

Check out the interview, which also touches on his creative process and what he'd do if he wasn't a rapper