Justin Timberlake: Memphis is the global capital of soul

Pop star Justin Timberlake doesn't feel he ever has to apologise for who he is because of his Memphis upbringing.

The singer became the youngest inductee into the Memphis Hall of Fame on Saturday night (17Oct15). The 34-year-old took the opportunity to pay homage to the city he grew up in and explain why it meant so much to him.

"]This is the f**king coolest thing that has ever happened to me," he began, according to ET Online. "The Grammys are political. The Emmys are political. Memphis is not political. And don't get me started on Hollywood… Memphis is the global capital of soul, and that soul is not just in the music, it's in the people.

"When people ask me where I'm from I say, 'Memphis.' Not where do you live right now, but where are you from. My favourite part about this city is we don't apologise for who we are, and that's who this city has taught me to be."

Since starting in boyband 'NSync Justin has gone on to have a successful solo career with hits including SexyBack and Rock Your Body. He has also made the move into the film industry starring in movies including The Social Network and Friends with Benefits. His efforts got him into the Tennessee city's Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Scotty Moore, Alberta Hunter, Al Jackson, Jr. and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave.

"I am truly honoured to be able to stand on the shoulders of all these legends that I grew up listening to and I grew up admiring to say that I stand alongside them now," he added.

Justin also took time to thank his wife Jessica Biel during his acceptance speech. The singer got emotional a number of times during his 30 minute stint on stage and had to wipe away tears while talking about the actress.

"Baby, I love you more than I could put into words and more than any song I could ever write," he gushed.