Chance The Rapper became the youngest-ever recipient of the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards on Sunday.
He said: "This is overwhelming. I'm 24. To be receiving something like this at my age, it feels good... It feels a little early to get something like this, but my God doesn't make mistakes. I like to think that he's putting this pressure on me to see how I react."
The Christian entertainer also, whose real name is Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, referred to problems in the public school system and with police brutality and sentencing laws during his acceptance speech.
He added: "I had plans to tell the world and everyone watching to make the world a better place. But my big homie Reese told me that we've got to work on ourselves before we change the world.
"I'm a good man and I'm going to be a better man."
Congrats to Chance The Rapper on winning the Humanitarian Award #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/2o2NBW5Xw6
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) June 26, 2017
The musician also received a surprise video message from former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Obama, who said she had known him since he was "a wee baby rapper", praised Chance for his charitable contributions to their city of Chicago.
She said: "In addition to making amazing music, Chance has been using that big bright spotlight that follows him around and has been shining it on young people in our home town of Chicago.
"We are so incredibly proud of you Chance. Chance is showing our young people that they matter.
"Chance, you are an outstanding role model, and an inspiration to people who care about our next generation. I can think of no better legacy to leave."
The artist was also honoured with the best new artist prize at the awards ceremony.
