Nineteen years ago toady, Tupac Shakur died after a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas. On the anniversary of the rapper's death, Kendrick Lamar posted a letter to his biggest idol.

Lamar reminisced on the first time he saw Shakur on the set of the "California Love" music video. The video was shot at the Compton Swap Meet near Lamar's home, according to Rap-Up.

"I was 8 yrs old when I first saw you. I couldn't describe how I felt at that moment. So many different emotions," he wrote in the letter posted on 2Pac's official website. "Full of excitement. Full of joy and eagerness."

When Lamar shot the music video for his single "King Kunta," he chose to film it on top of the same building where Shakur filmed his music video nearly 20 years prior.

"20 yrs later I understand exactly what that feeling was. INSPIRED," Lamar wrote. "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."

He simply signed the letter, "Thank you. K.L."

Image via INFphoto.com