Kendrick Lamar set to be Stephen Colbert's first musical guest on the Late Show

The rapper appeared on the final Colbert Report in December

Kendrick Lamar on stage at Wireless 2015 (Getty Images)

David Letterman became well known for hosting upcoming musical talent on his Late Show (and often commenting on how good the drums were), and it looks like his replacement is set to follow in his tradition.

Stephen Colbert has confirmed he will be welcoming Kendrick Lamar as his first musical guest when the CBS show begins again in September.

Kendrick Lamar is hardly upcoming, having released his critically acclaimed third album To Pimp A Butterfly earlier this year, but his booking by TV execs implies the show will continue to host exciting musical acts - even if it's without Letterman’s foot-tapping.

The rapper also appeared as Colbert’s last musical guest on The Colbert Report to perform an untitled song in December.

Kendrick Lamar was the last musical guest on The Colbert Report (Andrew Harrer-Pool | Getty Images)

Kendrick will join already confirmed guest George Clooney for the CBS talk show when it returns on Tuesday 8 September.

Colbert, 51, ended The Colbert Report after nine years on Comedy Central in December. He was confirmed to succeed Letterman’s 33 year hosting stint in April 2014.