'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Rapper Diddy's team announced last week that they will be returning his Key To The City. Since then, it appears that online publications have begun revisiting several other artists who have been recipients of the honor.
The Key To The City is an honor bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to the welfare of their city and community. It serves as a testament of support from their hometown, highlighting the community's appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, and eight other rappers who've been honored with Keys To The City
Cities across the United States have bestowed popular artists and major figures in Hip Hop, from Nicki Minaj to Drake, with the "Keys" to their cities. They have been given these for significant accomplishments in their careers as well as the support provided to the community.
Trending
This feature catalogs some of the biggest rappers in hip-hop culture who've received the Keys To The City honor.
1) Drake
Keys: Toronto (Canada) and Memphis (Shelby County)
Drizzy was awarded the key to his hometown of Toronto, Canada, by Mayor John Tory on February 12, 2016. He was given the honor for hosting the All-Star Weekend. While presenting the award to Drake, Tory stated:
"It’s not just because you are the world's most famous Torontonian but because of what you do with your great presentation and with your fame as you promote the city, you love the city and you even renamed the city for a lot of people around the world"
Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowry awarded the key to Memphis City to the rapper on June 26, 2023. He was given the honor of recognizing the city in songs he released throughout his career, like Jumpman and Nonstop.
"It’s an honor to celebrate Drake’s support of Memphis and Memphians in the heart of my district! We appreciate his music and his generous spirit! We truly soar in District 4!" Councilwoman Jana Swearengen-Washington stated in a social media post.
2) Kendrick Lamar
Key: Compton (California)
Kendrick Lamar was honored with the Key to Compton on February 13, 2016. He was given the award for his commitment to raising the consciousness of his community and motivating the younger generation, through his music, to challenge society's status quo. The rapper was presented with the award by Mayor Aja Brown, who stated:
"Kendrick Lamar is a phenomenal artist whose work has served as a catalyst to raise a new level of consciousness for this generation. His message challenges the status quo and motivates listeners to rethink our society’s institutions"
3) Diddy
Keys: Miami Beach and New York City
Rapper Diddy received the key to Miami in 1993, 23 years before being honored with the key to New York City on September 15, 2023, by Mayor Eric Adams. He described the rapper as somebody who embodies the "New York City attitude" and awarded him the key for donating millions to the community's welfare.
"The bad boy of entertainment is getting the key to the city from the bad boy of politics!" - Mayor Eric Adams stated as he presented Diddy with the key to New York City in Times Square.
On June 17, 2024, the rapper returned the key to New York per the Mayor's office request, after CCTV footage of the Hip Hop mogul physically assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura was released online a month prior.
4) Nicki Minaj
Key: Queens
Nicki Minaj was awarded an honorary key to the city of Queens on June 27, 2017, by the borough’s president, Melinda Katz. She was given the key for "outstanding career achievements" in music.
Although Minaj wasn't present to receive her key, she shared her appreciation for being a recipient of this award on social media, calling it a "pleasant surprise." The rapper also highlighted her intent on meeting with Melinda personally to discuss and thank Queens' president for honoring her with the Key To The City.
5) Pitbull
Key: Miami and Kodiak, Alaska
Pitbull was honored with the key to Miami City by Miami Commissioner Thomas Regalado, on August 20, 2009. Regalado expressed his appreciation for the rapper "sharing a positive message" about the city across the United States and the world.
"I can't help but keep staring at it, because it's something I've worked so hard for, I'm very passionate about Miami," Pitbull said while receiving the Key to Miami.
A few years later, on July 30, 2012, the rapper was awarded the key to Kodiak City by Alaskan Mayor Patricia B. Branson. He was awarded the key for working with WalMart to put together a concert for his fans living in Kodiak.
6) Rick Ross
Key: Miami
Rick Ross was awarded the key to Miami on January 15, 2024, for his contributions to the city. He was given the key during the "5000 Role Models’ 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Scholarship Breakfast."
The rapper was also inducted into the Library of Congress, which he shouted out during his acceptance speech. He also expressed his desire to inspire and nurture the youth.
"As I got older, as a boss, I understand what the youngsters want to see and want to achieve. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be successful. These are your brothers and sisters in this room."
7) Ludacris
Key: Atlanta
Ludacris was awarded the key to Atlanta on June 7, 2004, for the work and effort he put in through the "Ludacris Foundation." The foundation provided welfare and support to ATL's community, with a greater significance placed on providing scholarships to the youth.
8) Fetty Wap
Key: Patterson, New Jersey
Fetty Wap's career has long been recognized for his contributions and support of his hometown Patterson, New Jersey. Fetty held a free concert for high schoolers and the city's mayor, Jose “Joey” Torres on August 27, 2015, when the mayor presented the rapper with a Key To The City.
"I don't do this for no block, I do this for everybody. When they ask me where I'm from, I say Paterson." - Fetty Wap stated while addressing the crowd.
9) Three 6 Mafia
Key: Memphis, Tennessee
A month after Three 6 Mafia took home an Academy Award for "Best Original Song" for It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," the Hip Hop collective was presented with the Key To The City for Memphis, Tennessee.
Three 6 Mafia were honored with the key on April 1, 2006, during a reception at the "Rock 'n' Soul" Musem in Memphis.
10) Mac Miller
Key: Pittsburgh
Mac Miller received his key to Pittsburg on September 20, 2013, which is also celebrated as "Mac Miller Day". The rapper was presented with the award by Mayor Rick Burgess for his efforts and dedication to the city.
“It’s cool to get recognized by your city, to get that hometown appreciation and love. There’s no love like hometown love.” - Mac Miller stated during his speech.
Other rappers who've received a Key To The City award for their efforts in music and contributions to the welfare of the community include 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Master P.
