Jay-Z stopped by City Hall to watch his mother, Gloria Carter, receive a proclamation from the City Council for her "outstanding contributions to the community".

Carter oversees the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund, a college-focused charity created in 2003 to help people who might otherwise not have the opportunity for higher education, such as disadvantaged youth and non-traditional high school graduates. The charity also offers mentoring programmes and other services.

In 2005, she and others from the fund went to Houston to help distribute clothing, food and toiletries to displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Queens Councilman Thomas White Jr. sponsored the ceremonial recognition of Carter, which was given to her at the start of yesterday's meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

Standing next to her, White said: "It is truly an honour and a blessing. You've done wonderful things."

Jay-Z looked on as his mother received the framed proclamation. Afterward, they embraced in the City Hall rotunda.

"Very proud of her," the 37-year-old rapper said as they left the building.

Hits by Jay-Z include Show Me What You Got.