Trae Tha Truth has officially been named this year’s recipient of the annual Billboard Change Maker Award at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards.
Honoring the artist or group that speaks truth to power through their music, celebrity and community, the Billboard Change Maker Award recipient is socially conscious, politically aware, active in their community and charitable with time, money and/or influence to improve the lives of others. The Houston-based rapper, philanthropist, and social activist checks all of the boxes and joins previous recipient, rapper Killer Mike, who received the first ever Billboard Change Maker Award in 2020.
“Trae exemplifies what it means to be the change you want to see,” said Billboard Music Awards Consulting Producer and Vibe Magazine Editor-In-Chief Datwon Thomas. “He is always in a city near you, helping those in need after natural disasters, fighting for justice after tragic events and giving supplies to families to make it to another day. His name, ‘Tha Truth’ fits perfectly with who he is as a community activist and we are honored to celebrate his tireless efforts and giving spirit.”
Just in 2020, Trae led the Houston march for justice on behalf of long-time friend George Floyd after his untimely murder in Minneapolis. He also was one of a handful of celebrity activists arrested in Louisville, Kentucky during protest efforts demanding the Kentucky Attorney General charge the police officers responsible for the death of Breonna Taylor.
Trae Tha Truth is a part of a growing lineup of mega-talented celebs that will be participating in the show, as it was previously announced that P!NK will be receiving the Icon Award; Drake will be receiving the Artist of the Decade Award; and The Weeknd, BTS and Duran Duran are scheduled to perform.
Fan-voted categories include Top Social Artist and Top Collaboration. Voting is open from May 10 at 9:00am PT to May 21 at 11:59pm PT on Twitter and billboard.com/bbmasvote.
Hosted by Nick Jonas, the 2021 Billboard Awards air LIVE from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 23rd @ 8PM ET/5PM PT on NBC.
