Now that he’s more than a decade into his career, Kendrick Lamar is at the point where some of his biggest fans have named their children after him. As a case in point, a young boy named Kendrick sat in the front row of the Detroit stop of his “The Big Steppers Tour” (grab tickets here) on Sunday, August 16th, and received an experience he’ll never forget.
After holding up a handmade sign saying, “My name is Kendrick. This is my 1st concert. Can we take a pic,” the nine-year-old was spotted by the Compton MC, who decided to give him a shoutout from the stage.
“Always honor them, man,” the elder Kendrick said about the boy’s parents. “They brought you to your first concert. Always respect and honor them… You will forever be great. You’re great right now. You can do whatever you wanna put your mind to, you know it? … I remember when I was your age as well, dreaming. Little Kendrick, do what you wanna do in life.”
That wasn’t it for young Kendrick. As further documented by his father David Stewart, the boy also received a handwritten note from Lamar saying, “Thank you for coming. I’m glad we got to exchange energy. You are special. Continue to manifest the great energy you possess!”
In his Instagram Story, Stewart revealed the story behind his son’s name. “I named my son after Kendrick 9 years ago,” he wrote. “I was at a Kendrick Lamar concert the moment my son was born!! And for that moment to take place is definitely amazing that the universe came back full circle like that!”
Check out the video of the moment below, followed by photos of the letter.
This wasn’t the first emotional viral moment from Lamar’s ongoing tour in support of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. In July, a clip spread of a security guard crying during his performance of “LOVE,” to which he later responded, “At the end of the day that’s how you want everybody to perceive your music.”
“The Big Steppers Tour” continues its North American leg through September before heading over to the UK, Europe, and Australia. Tickets are available now via Tickemaster.
