Harlem Rapper Treats NYCHA Residents To Thanksgiving Feast

HARLEM, NY — A 20-year-old rap sensation with Harlem roots gave back to his neighborhood by treating 500 public housing residents to a free feast for the holidays.

Sheck Wes, whose hit song "Mo Bamba" has more than 195 million streams on Spotify, partnered with the New York City Housing Authority and real estate firm Douglaston Development to hold the Thanksgiving Day feast at the James Weldon Johnson Houses community center.

"It was great to team up with NYCHA and Douglaston Development to help out the community with Thanksgiving and play ball with a couple youngins," Sheck Wes said in a statement. "I grew up in Harlem in NYCHA and used to spend time at the same community center so coming back as an older cat is a different but wavy feeling."

Residents were provided a meal of turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, macaroni and cheese and a variety of desserts. Two vendors who graduated from the city's Food Business Pathways Program — Chef Cherri's Catering LLC and Grace Kelli Cupcakes — provided food for the feast.

Food Business Pathways is a public-private collaboration between the New York City Housing Authority, the Small Business Services Department and community-based organizations that helps NYCHA residents develop plans to launch food-based companies.

"We're grateful for former and current NYCHA residents who are giving back to their community," NYCHA Executive Vice President for Community Engagement and Partnerships Sideya Sherman said in a statement.

Sheck Wes was born to Senagalese immigrant parents and raised in Harlem public housing. Wes, who was born Khadimoul Rassoul Sheck Fall, released his debut album "Mudboy" this year. His single "Mo Bamba" — named after the Harlem-born NBA player and Wes' childhood friend — catapulted the rapper to fame while he was still living in public housing. He is now signed to Travis Scott's label Cactus Jack Records and Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music.

Photos courtesy Rambo X