2022 Trapper of the Year Award Goes to Moneybagg Yo!

Written By | Ebony McKennedy & Bernice Martin

Showing up at one of Atlanta’s latest tourist staples, The Trap Museum, which is owned by legendary rapper T.I. The place was crowded with locals viewing the museum with the right kind of music to set the show. There were people from recording artists, songwriters, producers, to politicians and of course music consumers.

Hours before Moneybagg Yo arrived, the venue was open to the public to view the art work of other visual artist from the show. Each rapper had their own painting or photo posted on the wall. For example, Nipsey Hustle’s handmade model sculpture made by Bboyblackz , Coi Leray, Nicki Minaj poster by Tiffanie Anderson, Rick Ross painting by Brittany Horne & Sean Uley and 21 savage painting by Stephanie Amon etc.. It was definitely a vibe as you walked through the museum. Not only did the Trap Music Museum have paintings of other trap artist but they also had an exhibit of different “Bandos” connected the museum.

We were all present for the Trapper of The Year Award. This is an award that T.I. presents to rappers who have been hardworking, making major waves in music, and giving a voice to the voiceless. The rappers that he gives these awards to come from similar backgrounds as him, who have overcome major adversity. The previous recipient of this award was Lil Baby. 

There was so much anticipation in the atmosphere awaiting Moneybagg Yo’s arrival. He showed up in style with an all-black Escalade caravan for him and his entourage. Fans rushed him as he arrived, and he spent time speaking and taking pictures with them. Once he hit the red carpet, he also took his time to make sure each photographer got their images, and each interviewer had the chance to ask him a question. He was so comfortable, patient, cool, calm and collected on the red carpet.

From there, media, including myself, followed him inside the venue. It was packed. I mean wall to wall packed. It seemed like everyone in the city was there to see him receive this award. Moneybagg gets on stage, and it’s announced that there is an art unveiling dedicated to him. T.I comes through introducing the new hot new artist Moneybagg Yo giving him the Trapper Of The Year Award.

T.I expressed the importance of how Moneybagg Yo’s grind and his representation to the people who  didn’t have the voice to speak for themselves and stayed consistent in doing so. Highly deserved and blessed him with his own art piece in the exhibit.

I made my way around speaking to attendees about how they liked the event. Everyone I spoke with was impressed and happy to be there apart of the culture.

It was a night you couldn’t forget !

Photos By | Ebony McKennedy & Bernice Martin