Rap mogul Master P has been handed the key to the city of Memphis, Tennessee.

The hip-hop star - a reformed gangsta rapper - was given the honour during the inaugural Let The Kids Grow Day, which took place at the Mud Island Amphitheatre on Saturday.

The back-to-school event is aimed at teaching youngsters about the importance of education and the dangers of drugs and crime.

Presenting the rapper - real name Percy Miller - with the accolade, Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton told the crowds, "No other rapper or entertainer is as committed to the community as Master P and I am proud of him.

"Master P changed his life and took the negativity out of his music but stayed true to the hood."