HOUSTON – Rapper Trae Tha Truth is known for his philanthropic work across Houston, but now, the world will have the opportunity to see him being honored for those efforts.
The Houston native took to social media Thursday to announce he is the second recipient of this year’s Billboard Change Maker Award.
Recommended Videos
“I’m Honestly In Disbelief,” Trae, whose real name is Frazier Othel Thompson III, said in an Instagram post. “This Is Huge!! Not just For Me But For The City, For All Those Who Stand With and For Me, For All Those That Have Supported My Career,” he wrote.
The “hometown hero” is the founder of Relief Gang (alongside Houston DJ Mr. Rogers), a non-profit organization that was created in wake of Hurricane Harvey to help Houstonians rebuild their lives by providing them with food, clothing, shelter, and other resources. Since then, the organization has helped those in Beaumont (and surrounding areas), Louisiana, and Puerto Rico that have been affected by natural disasters. The rapper often does toy giveaways during the holidays and works closely with the elderly.
In addition, Trae is an advocate for social justice and change. In 2020, he was arrested during a protest for Breonna Taylor. The rapper is widely known for voicing his concerns about police brutality.
Trae also helped raise $30,000 for slain Fort Hood soldier Vanessa Guillen’s family, saying “I just want to let them know, they are not alone,” in a video he posted on Instagram.
READ MORE: Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth raises $30K for Vanessa Guillen’s family
The Billboard Music Awards will air on NBC live on Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m. CT.