:Trae tha Truth

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Trae tha Truth

| image = Trae in 2005.jpg

| caption = Trae tha Truth in 2005

| image_size =

| birth_name = Frazier Othel Thompson III

| alias = Trae

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|7|3|mf=y}}{{cite web|url=https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8LV-8FH|title=Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997|work=FamilySearch}}

| origin = Houston, Texas, U.S.

| genre = Hip hop

| occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter}}

| years_active = 1998–present

| label = {{hlist|G-Maab|ABN|Rap-A-Lot|Asylum|Fontana|Grand Hustle|Empire}}

| current_member_of = {{hlist|ABN|Hustle Gang}}

| website = {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108001942/http://www.iamtrae.com/}}

}}

Frazier Othel Thompson III (born July 3, 1980), better known by his stage name Trae tha Truth (or simply Trae), is an American rapper. He embarked on a recording career in 1998, and established local prominence in the Texas hip hop scene with his solo debut, Losing Composure (2003). His second and third albums, Same Thing Different Day (2004) and Restless (2006), followed thereafter, the latter of which was his debut on Rap-a-Lot Records.

Thompson has released 11 solo studio albums, as well as 26 mixtapes and two albums as a part of the duo Assholes by Nature (ABN) with fellow Texas rapper Z-Ro. He is also known for his "I'm On" series of singles, which have featured several of prominent rappers since its first installment in 2011. He signed with fellow Southern rapper T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records in 2012, and was named vice president (VP) of the label in 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/02/ti-trae-truth-grand-hustle-vp/|title = T.I. Appoints Trae Tha Truth to Vice President of Grand Hustle Records (Video)|date = February 5, 2017}}

In addition to his music career, Thompson is known for his activism and philanthropy as the founder of both Angel by Nature, a charity aimed at helping the impoverished youth of Texas, and Relief Gang, a non-profit organisation initially formed to help the people of Houston and the surrounding areas rebuild their homes, as well as provide shelter, food and education in the wake of 2017's Hurricane Harvey.{{cite web |url=http://angelbynature.com/team/ |title=Team – Angel By Nature |website=angelbynature.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180319200656/http://angelbynature.com/team/ |archive-date=2018-03-19}}{{cite web |url=http://angelbynature.com/ |title = Angel By Nature}}{{Cite web|url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/08-28-20-trae-the-truth-dj-mr-rogers-the-rescue-gang-louisiana-hurricance-laura-lake-charles/|title = Houston 'Relief Gang' rolls out to Louisiana to assist hurricane victims| date=August 28, 2020 }} Since forming, the group have expanded to provide aid to people in Louisiana, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, and other areas affected by natural disasters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/09/22/video-houston-rapper-trae-tha-truth-helps-pearland-residents-impacted-by-tropical-depression-beta-flooding/|title=VIDEO: Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth helps Pearland residents impacted by Tropical Depression Beta flooding|date=September 22, 2020}} Thompson's work has led to him being referred to as Houston's "Hometown Hero", and from 2008 onwards, July 22 has officially been recognised as "Trae Day" in Houston.{{cite web |url=http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/07/11/city-of-houston-proclaims-july-22-trae-day/ |title=City Of Houston Proclaims July 22 Trae Day |publisher=Ballerstatus.com.com |date=July 11, 2008 |access-date=February 3, 2015 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026004209/http://www.ballerstatus.com/2008/07/11/city-of-houston-proclaims-july-22-trae-day/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/hip-hop/8247594/trae-the-truth-interview-hometown-hero|title = Trae Tha Truth Talks Embracing His Role as Houston's 'Hometown Hero,' Premieres 'Better Dayz' Feat. T.I. & RaRa|magazine = Billboard|date = March 15, 2018}}

Life and career

Trae tha Truth gained exposure on the Houston rap scene in 1998, when he made his rapping debut with a guest appearance on Z-Ro's album Look What You Did to Me.{{cite news|url=http://www.last.fm/group/Assholes+By+Nature|title=Assholes By Nature|date=November 19, 2008|work=Last.fm|access-date=September 9, 2010|archive-date=January 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112111046/http://www.last.fm/group/Assholes+By+Nature|url-status=dead}} In 2003, he began his solo career with the album Losing Composure. 2004's Same Thing Different Day, 2006's Restless, and 2007's Life Goes On followed shortly after. Trae Tha Truth has also worked relentlessly with fellow Houston rapper Chamillionaire on his various Mixtape Messiah series.

He also collaborated with Z-Ro to form the duo ABN or Assholes by Nature. They have released two albums, Assholes by Nature (2003) and It Is What It Is (2008).

Trae Tha Truth was involved in a fight with Texas rapper Mike Jones at the 2008 Ozone Awards. It was recently suspected that Trae Tha Truth's music was banned from Houston's local radio Station, 97.9 The Boxx.{{cite web |url=http://hiphopwired.com/13723/trae-da-truth-banned-from-houston-radio/ |title=Hip Hop News > HipHopWaired.com |publisher=Hiphopwired.com |date=October 28, 2009 |access-date=June 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091102020512/http://hiphopwired.com/13723/trae-da-truth-banned-from-houston-radio/ |archive-date=November 2, 2009 }}

After creating a buzz for himself, T.I. announced that he had signed Trae Tha Truth to Grand Hustle Records on March 1, 2012. On October 9, 2012, Trae was featured on the annual BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, alongside his Grand Hustle label-mates Iggy Azalea, B.o.B, Chip and T.I.{{cite web | url=http://www.bet.com/video/hiphopawards/2012/cypher/the-grand-hustle-cypher.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012010412/http://www.bet.com/video/hiphopawards/2012/cypher/the-grand-hustle-cypher.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 12, 2012 | title=HIP HOP AWARDS EXCLUSIVES: THE GRAND HUSTLE CYPHER | publisher=Black Entertainment Television LLC | work=BET | date=October 9, 2012 | access-date=April 9, 2013}} His first Grand Hustle album, then-titled Banned, was scheduled to be released in 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3SbJQV2shw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/p3SbJQV2shw |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=#YESTour - EXCLUSIVE Trae Tha Truth Announces New Album "Banned" At TI's video shoot|work=YouTube|date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=November 8, 2014}}{{cbignore}} However, prior to that he was involved in the recording process for the Grand Hustle Records compilation album.{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.26380/title.trae-the-truth-addresses-radio-ban-details-i-am-king-mixtape|title=Trae The Truth Addresses Radio Ban, Details "I Am King" Mixtape|author=HipHopDX|work=HipHopDX|date=November 24, 2013|access-date=November 8, 2014}} His Grand Hustle Records debut titled Tha Truth was released on July 24, 2015.

Honors

In 2008, Trae Tha Truth was awarded by the mayor of Houston, Bill White, and Council Member Peter Brown with his own day, Trae Day, in honor of his outstanding work within the community.{{Cite web|url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/on-trae-day-no-8-a-rapper-at-the-center-of-his-community-7611172|title=On Trae Day No. 8, a Rapper at the Center of His Community|last=Caldwell|first=Brandon|date=July 22, 2015|access-date=July 29, 2016}} This is the first time the honor has been extended to a rap artist. Trae Day is celebrated every year on July 22.

On May 23, 2021, Trae received the Change Maker Award at that year's Billboard Music Awards. The award, according to Billboard, pays tribute to "the artist or group that speaks truth to power through their music, celebrity, and community. They are socially conscious, politically aware, active in their community and charitable with time, money and/or influence to improve the lives of others."{{Cite magazine|title=Trae Tha Truth to Receive Change Maker Award at 2021 Billboard Music Awards: 'It's Not In Me to Stop'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9570944/trae-tha-truth-2021-billboard-music-awards-change-maker-award-interview|access-date=May 13, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en}}

Philanthropy

During Hurricane Harvey in September 2017, Trae worked as part of his non-profit, the Relief Gang, spending a full day assisting area residents caught in heavy flooding.{{cite web|url=https://texasislife.com/texans/houston-rapper-trae-tha-truth-spent-all-day-helping-people-trapped-in-flooding/|title=Houston Rapper Trae Tha Truth spent all day helping people trapped in flooding|website=texasislife.com|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=February 13, 2020}}

In October 2017, Trae hosted a fundraiser for a Houston area grandma attacked and carjacked at a gas station.{{cite web|url=https://abc13.com/trae-tha-truth-helps-grandma-attacked-by-carjackers/5609207/|title=Trae Tha Truth helps grandma attacked by carjackers|website=abc13.com|date=October 10, 2019|access-date=February 13, 2020}}

In late 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Trae and his non-profit organization Relief Gang handed out clothing, including jackets and face masks, for the homeless.{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/rapper-trae-tha-truth-gives-222331773.html|title = Rapper Trae Tha Truth gives back to homeless after Thanksgiving| date=December 20, 2020 }}

Controversy

Trae Tha Truth hosted the second annual Trae Day in July 22, 2009, near Texas Southern University. After the event had ended, eight people, ranging in age from 14 to 21, were shot near a parking garage located on the Texas Southern University campus.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2009/jul/nr072309-2.htm|title=Houston Police Department -- News Releases|website=www.houstontx.gov|access-date=April 15, 2018}} One of several people charged with shooting into the crowd was Sauce Walka.{{Cite news |author= |title=Six more suspects charged in shooting on Texas Southern University campus |date=August 20, 2009 |url=https://abc13.com/archive/6972297/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |work=ABC13 |location=Houston, Texas |language=en}} When he explained to the morning crew at radio station KBXX "97.9 The Box" that he did not condone the shooting, he was accused by one of the personalities of being responsible for the violence per the lyrical content. When Trae Tha Truth retaliated against her on a mixtape, KBXX banned Trae Tha Truth's music and contributed music from the station and ordered their personalities not to play his music. It caused backlash in the music community as several DJs at KBXX were terminated from their positions due to playing songs that featured Trae.{{cite web|url=http://austinsurreal.blogspot.com/2010/04/open-letter-to-979-box-from-matt.html |title=AustinSurreal: An Open Letter to 97.9 The BoxFrom Matt Sonzala |publisher=Austinsurreal.blogspot.com |date=April 22, 2010 |access-date=June 20, 2012}} Due to his inability and hindrance from being able to promote his music in Houston as a result, Trae filed a lawsuit against KBXX early in 2010 citing damages to his career.{{cite news|author=Shea Serrano |url=http://www.houstonpress.com/2010-06-24/music/out-of-the-box/ |title=Out of the Box - Page 1 - Music - Houston |newspaper=Houston Press |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=June 20, 2012}}

On July 15, 2020, Trae among 87 people were arrested in a Breonna Taylor protest in Louisville, Kentucky;{{cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Kenny-Stills-Trae-Tha-Truth-arrest-Breonna-Taylor-15410360.php|title=Texans' Kenny Stills, Trae Tha Truth arrested in Breonna Taylor protest in Louisville|newspaper=Chron |date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2020 |last1=Young |first1=Matt }} he was among two rappers alongside Cordae in a protest to be arrested.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/trae-tha-truth-and-ybn-cordae-arrested-at-breonna-taylor-protest/|title=Trae tha Truth and YBN Cordae Arrested at Breonna Taylor Protest|website=Pitchfork|date=July 15, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2020}}

On September 2, 2022, a viral video obtained by TMZ,{{Cite web |title=Trae Tha Truth Jumped Z-Ro During 50 Cent Tycoon Weekend, New Footage Shows |url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/09/02/trae-tha-truth-z-ro-fight-video-50-cent-houston/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=TMZ |date=September 2, 2022 |language=en}} shows Trae attacking Z-Ro with the rest of his crew, during 50 Cent’s TYCOON weekend.{{Cite web |url=https://parlemag.com/2022/09/new-fight-footage-shows-trae-tha-truth-assisted-in-z-ros-attack/ |access-date=2022-09-07 |website=parlemag.com|title=New Fight Footage Shows Trae Tha Truth Assisted in Z-Ro's Attack |date=September 3, 2022 }}

Shooting

On June 20, 2012, at about 3am, Trae tha Truth was shot in the shoulder following a performance at an afterhours club located at 9850 Westpark Drive, Houston, TX.{{cite web|url=http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2012/jun/nr062112-2.htm|title=Investigation into Fatal Shooting at 9850 Westpark Drive|website=www.houstontx.gov|access-date=April 15, 2018}} His friend, Carlos Durell "Dinky D" Dorsey, died at the scene along with 30-year-old Erica Rochelle Dotson and the intended target, Coy "Poppa C" Thompson (not related to Trae). A man named Willie Wilkins was also wounded.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Brian |date=2012-07-06 |title=Gang rivalry alleged in club killings |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/gang-rivalry-alleged-in-club-killings-3687154.php |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Chron |language=en}} There were around 20 gunshots fired.{{cite web |url=http://www.click2houston.com/news/5-shot-3-killed-in-club-shooting/-/1735978/15169196/-/u0epps/-/index.html |title=5 shot, 3 killed, in club shooting | News - Home |publisher=Click2houston.com |access-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-date=June 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622012535/http://www.click2houston.com/news/5-shot-3-killed-in-club-shooting/-/1735978/15169196/-/u0epps/-/index.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2012/jun/nr062112-2.htm|title=Investigation into Fatal Shooting at 9850 Westpark Drive|access-date=November 8, 2014}} In a December 2012 interview with MTV, Trae said that he had been left lying and bleeding at the hospital for hours after being brought in. He went on to say that he "didn't get no bandage, I ain't get no stitches, they didn't take the bullet out, none of that."{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22306/title.trae-tha-truth-describes-hospitalization-after-june-20-shooting|title=Trae Tha Truth Describes Hospitalization After June 20 Shooting|author=HipHopDX|work=HipHopDX|date=December 22, 2012|access-date=November 8, 2014}}

On July 4, 2012, it was reported that a suspect, 24-year-old Feanyichi Ezekwesi Uvukansi, had been arrested and charged with capital murder for the shooting.{{cite web |url=http://www.click2houston.com/news/Man-arrested-in-triple-killing-after-concert/-/1735978/15404470/-/3bo6a5/-/index.html |title=Man arrested in triple killing after concert | News - Home |publisher=Click2houston.com |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-date=July 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706104105/http://www.click2houston.com/news/Man-arrested-in-triple-killing-after-concert/-/1735978/15404470/-/3bo6a5/-/index.html |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Man-arrested-in-connection-with-deadly-shooting-involving-Trae-Tha-Truth---161373825.html |title=Man arrested in connection with shooting involving Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth | khou.com Houston |access-date=October 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906064551/http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Man-arrested-in-connection-with-deadly-shooting-involving-Trae-Tha-Truth---161373825.html |archive-date=September 6, 2012 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/suspect-arrested-trae-tha-truth-shooting|title=Suspect Arrested in Trae Tha Truth Shooting|access-date=November 8, 2014}} He was later convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole.{{cite web|url=https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/offenderDetail.action?sid=06663916|title=Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Search|website=offender.tdcj.texas.gov|access-date=April 15, 2018}}

On November 25, 2013, Trae released a mixtape titled I Am King, as a tribute to Dominic "Money Clip D" Brown.MTV News [https://web.archive.org/web/20150530040558/http://www.mtv.com/news/1718099/trae-tha-truth-i-am-king-mixtape/ Trae Tha Truth Drops 'Bittersweet' I Am King Mixtape With A Heavy Heart. MC talks to MTV News about releasing his mixtape two years after the death of his best friend and 'brother' Dominic 'Money Clip D' Brown.] by Rob Markman November 25, 2013XXL Mag December 4, 2013 [http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/reviews/2013/12/trae-tha-truth-i-am-king-review/ Trae Tha Truth Pours His Heart Out On 'I Am King' Mixtape]BET / Black Entertainment Television LLC [https://www.bet.com/article/tux0r5/mixtape-review-trae-tha-truth-i-am-king Mixtape Review: Trae Tha Truth, I Am King] Underground MC goes mainstream on latest mixtape. By Jake Rohn: November 26, 2013

On January 18, 2017, Trae uploaded a video to Instagram showing himself pushing the bullet out of his shoulder.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BPalpGbg519/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BPalpGbg519 |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=Instagram video by @traeabn • Jan 18, 2017 at 6:16pm UTC|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=January 22, 2017}}{{cbignore}}{{primary source inline|date=March 2022}}