Kendrick Lamar wants to be a positive role model.

The 27-year-old rapper, who received the Generational Icon Award in recognition of his philanthropic work from the California State Senate earlier this month, is determined to ''do something worthier'' with his life and set a good example for his fans.

Asked about the accolade, the 'King Kunta' hitmaker said: ''It means everything to me. Because I know there's a lot of kids in my neighbourhood that are watching TV and saying 'You know what, I want to be a positive influence just like Kendrick Lamar, or whoever is out there doing something for the good.' ''

Kendrick credits his parents for inspiring him to get involved with charities.

He told the 'Ellen DeGeneres Show': ''I blame my parents. They put something in my heart to do something worthier than what I was raised around and taking all my influence, whether negative or positive, and doing something in the right way.''

The rapper collaborated with Taylor Swift on her latest track, 'Bad Blood,' because they are both fans of each other's music.

He said: ''She reached out. I've always been a fan of hers, and she was a fan of my music and she reached out and we got it done.''