Kendrick Lamar honours Tupac

Kendrick Lamar issued a touching tribute to Tupac Shakur on the rapper's death anniversary.

California Love hip hop legend Tupac died at the age of 25 on September 13, 1996.

And in honour of the iconic musician, Kendrick wrote a blurb illustrating just how much he admires the late star.

"I was 8 yrs old when I first saw you. I couldn't describe how I felt at that moment. So many emotions. Full of excitement. Full of joy and eagerness. 20 yrs later I understand exactly what that feeling was. INSPIRED. (sic)" Kendrick published on Tupac's official website. "The people that you touched on that small intersection changed lives forever. I told myself I wanted to be a voice for man one day. Whoever knew I was speaking out loud for u to listen. Thank you. K.L."

Tupac's legacy lives far beyond his death, as he has sold over 75 million records worldwide as of 2007.

A number of artists credit Tupac with being an endless source of inspiration, including Nas, an elite member of the rap community.

Nas claims Tupac and Biggie Smalls, who both died after being shot, were the two most instrumental musicians in modern hip hop.

"Those two things hit me real hard, 'cause I knew both of them. I knew Biggie more, but what they meant to the art form can never be redone, can never be replaced and when those two guys passed away I thought it was the end of rap," he told Zane Lowe as part of Relentless Ultra Presents Soundchain.