Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz, Walmart feed over 100 families for Thanksgiving
Despite the Tuesday morning rain, Pamela Brown was full of smiles.
The 60-year-old, wearing a cowboy hat, placed canned corn and greens in her buggy outside of the Walmart Supercenter in College Park. She’d gotten there at 3 a.m. to be among the first to receive the free food.
“It’s important to feed people, especially those who don’t get food stamps,” the downtown Atlanta resident said. “I don’t get food stamps. I need this food.”
Brown was among the 150 individuals and families who received food and gift cards from College Park native and rapper 2 Chainz and Walmart Tuesday. At the event, titled “Greens and Things,” attendees were given Thanksgiving staples like fresh collard greens, turkey and several canned items at four stations in Walmart’s parking lot.
Tuesday’s giveaway was hosted by 2 Chainz’s Tru Foundation, a nonprofit that provides resources to underserved communities. Although the rain delayed the event by roughly 50 minutes after its 10 a.m. start time, that didn’t stop many from standing in a long line that led inside the store.
Along with food, attendees were treated to $50 Walmart gift cards and ticket vouchers to see the College Park Skyhawks (the NBA G-League team of which 2 Chainz is a part owner).
McDonald’s also provided free meals during the event.
“You never know what somebody is going through, and this will help out a whole lot,” said Melissa Smith.
The 53-year-old College Park resident added that the giveaway will help her make a Thanksgiving meal for her family of four.
Initially established in 2011 to assist domestic violence victims, the Tru Foundation is committed to empowering children and families, said Kesha Ward, 2 Chainz’s wife and co-founder of the nonprofit.
Following the giveaway, the couple surprised a few shoppers inside Walmart and helped pay for their items.
“We just try to kind of support our people the best we can,” Ward said.
Monday marked the first time in a decade that 2 Chainz, whose given name is Tauheed Epps, has done such a charity event in his hometown.
“I think anybody that has my platform and is blessed as me and my family are should give back,” the rapper told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution following the event.
The Grammy-winning artist had a busy 2025. Last weekend, he performed with Larry June at Tyler, the Creator’s popular music festival Camp Flog Gnaw in Los Angeles. In February, he dropped a joint album with June and The Alchemist, titled “Life is Beautiful.”
This past spring, 2 Chainz’ film “Red Clay” (which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside actor Omar Epps) premiered at the Atlanta Film Festival. The indie short, which is based on 2 Chainz’s upbringing, has been submitted for consideration at the upcoming Academy Awards, the rapper noted.
In September, he announced his debut book, a memoir titled “The Voice in My Head Is God,” which is set to be released in March.
“2025 was the year that I took a lot of creative risks, and I did things that I’ve been having on my plate that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time,” he added.
About the Author
DeAsia is a music and culture reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She focuses on the intersection of arts, culture and diverse communities, as well as how emerging social trends are being expressed through the lens of the Atlanta aesthetic. DeAsia's work can be seen in Pitchfork, Essence, Teen Vogue, Elle and more.
