Rapper Sean John Combs, also known by his stage name Puff Daddy, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Howard University here.

"Ain't no homecoming like a Howard homecoming," Daddy, who studied business at the university for two years before dropping out in 1990 to further his career in music, told the crowd May 10, reports femalefirst.co.uk

He further told the crowd: "Howard University didn't just change my life - it entered my soul, my heart, my being and my spirit."

The Bad Boy Records founder received his honorary degree in humanities and was recognised alongside CNN news anchor Wolf Blitzer, surgeon Clive Callender, jazz saxophonist Benny Golson and PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi at the ceremony.

The rapper received a standing ovation after his speech and classmates chanted "Diddy".