Title
Honoring Wallo267 and Gillie Da King for their community-oriented activism and philanthropy, including four million dollars in grants for minority led businesses and social service organizations
Body
WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s own Wallace Peeples, professionally known as Wallo267, and Nasir Fard, professionally known as Gillie da King, have made a lasting impact on hip hop and on their community. They are cousins; they are co-hosts of the renowned Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast; and they are dedicated activists and philanthropists; and
WHEREAS, Wallo grew up in Philadelphia in the late 1990s and, at the age of 17, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery. While incarcerated he continued to educate himself and became an avid reader and learner in jail. In preparation for his release, he continued to learn about the world outside of prison, becoming fascinated about Google, YouTube, and Instagram, and realized the power of the internet and social media; and
WHEREAS, On Feburary 18th, 2017, Wallo was released from prison, and started his career. He created Wallo267, his online presence, born from his inmate number, DG267, as a sign of where he came from and where he will not return. He then amassed a large following on social media and used his platform to help educate on the importance of positive choices. He speaks on the challenges of returning from prison, on forgiveness, and on continuing to grow and change; and
WHEREAS, Gillie was born and raised in Philadelphia. He represents his city with a passion, and has released several full-length projects like 2009’s I Am Philly, 2015’s Welcome to Gilladelphia, and his King Of Philly installments; and
WHEREAS, Gillie was one of the founding members of hip hop group Major Figgas. They were heavyweights in Philadelphia's underground scene and created several independent records and mixtapes. Gillie’s musical work has inspired numerous other Philadelphia rappers such Meek Mill and AR-Ab; and
WHEREAS, Wallo and Gillie created the successful Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. The first episode aired on April 22, 2019, and have since released over eighty episodes. Their lively discussions of music, current events, and more have amassed millions of views on various media platforms. Some of their past special guests include celebrities from hip hop’s Freeway to pro football’s Deion Sanders; and
WHEREAS, Their show has spent numerous weeks on Apple’s music podcast charts, and they signed a multi-year deal with Barstool Sports to host their show on Barstool’s podcast network; and
WHEREAS, Wallo and Gillie have worked hard to help and empower others. They regularly engage with local youth to encourage positive decision-making and self-determination. But their most high-profile work has involved philanthropy. Earlier this year, they partnered with Barstool Sport’s grant program, Barstool Difference, to distribute $4 million in grants to minority-owned businesses and non-profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic took a major toll on America’s small businesses, with Black and Brown-owned businesses suffering disproportionately. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Research, roughly 40 percent of Black-owned businesses nationally have closed due to the pandemic-induced recession. Philadelphia is estimated to have lost 8 percent of Black businesses in the city through the pandemic, which is especially concerning due to Black businesses only making up 6 percent of businesses in the city; and
WHEREAS, The grants by Wallo and Gillie will help to preserve and protect minority-owned businesses and non-profit organizations. The impact of this work will be felt in the communities who need them long after; now, therefore be it,
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, honors Wallo267 and Gillie Da King for their community-oriented activism and philanthropy, including four million dollars in grants for minority-owned businesses and organizations.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Wallo267 and Gillie Da King for their community-oriented activism and philanthropy, including four million dollars in grants for minority led businesses and social service organizations.
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