The Swimming Pools (Drank) hitmaker has long counted the music icon as one of his influences, and on Sunday (13Sep15), Lamar wrote a touching missive on the official Tupac website honouring his mentor.

The note reads: "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.

"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."

Earlier this year (15), Lamar used one of Tupac's rare interviews to simulate a conversation with the rapper on Mortal Man, the closing song on his latest critically acclaimed album, To Pimp A Butterfly.

Shakur was shot and killed in Las Vegas in September, 1996.