“I listen to you before all my games,” says a young boy as he runs up to the Atlanta-born rapper whose music has been streamed over 30 billion times globally. His young voice is filled with ebullience.
“What type of shoes he got on?” another kid whispers to his friend, surprised that the Grammy-winning artist kept it classic and simple with a pair of all-white Air Force Ones.
“Aye Lil Baby, can I get a picture?” a group of kids calls out. Lil Baby quickly invites them in. “Yeah, come on,” he says, pulling them in for a quick flick—just like he’s done multiple times today while calmly moving through a crowd of thousands.
4,000 attended Lil Baby’s fifth annual back-to-school bash in the West End on Saturday afternoon, hosted by him and his non-profit, The Jones Project. The event provided children with free shoes, book bags filled with school supplies, wellness products, and free food.
As Lil Baby made his entrance shortly after the event began, boys and girls of all ages ran up to him, pulling out their phones for selfies and videos. He stopped and took time to pose with each one.
“I love them like they love me,” said Lil Baby when asked about the overwhelming support from those at the event.
“Lil Baby, Dominique, keep doing what you are doing—we love you for that,” said Yolanda Hill, a parent in attendance. “A lot of artists just throw money and don’t really come to these types of events, but he came and actually stayed and showed face.”
Despite his global fame, the artist consistently pays homage and respect to the community he grew up in, the West End—often crediting the neighborhood in his discography and regularly giving back, not just for back-to-school events but throughout the year.
“It means a lot to be able to come back and give back, because I know so much comes behind not having shoes and school utensils and stuff for school—because that be a lot of kids’ reason to steer off,” the artist told The Atlanta Voice.
The event was produced in partnership with the Jessie Rose Project, The Athlete’s Foot, Slim & Huskies, Zaxby’s, Fanatics, and Dr. Bombay Ice Cream.
The kids also received free haircuts, braiding services, and carnival rides and games.
The event served students from kindergarten through 12th grade across metro Atlanta schools.
“To know that the parents don’t have to stress about this part makes me feel good,” said Lil Baby.