Polow Da Don: Why Giving Back to the Community is Better Than Producing a Hit
photo by Steed Media Service
Super producer Polow Da Don returned to his childhood neighborhood of Southwest Atlanta to host the second annual “Give Thanks” turkey drive. The event took place at Figure 8 Lounge and featured food, games, giveaways and a registration for the “Free Rent/Mortgage” contest. For Polow, it was a chance to donate his time, money and show appreciation to the neighborhood that helped to raised him.
“It feels great to give back to the place where I grew up,” says Polow who now resides in Los Angeles. “We’re on Campbellton Road so I consider this place my home. I remember when Mr. V’s nightclub, My Brothers Keeper, and Eddie’s Gold Teeth [were] in this same plaza. This is a great way for me to help my community.”
Polow has produced hits for artists such as Mary J. Blige, Nas, Ciara, Fergie and Rich Boy. He believes that giving charity is at times more rewarding than creating a hit record. In 2007, Polow helped Vegalye Delesline get back on her feet after she went through nine surgeries, lost her car and her home was foreclosed on. Polow put Delesline in a luxury apartment and paid her rent for one year.
“Those stories are the reason why I wanted to make it in music,” Polow says. “A lot of people want to make it for the glamorous things like girls and cars. I’m now a grown man and it feels good to touch lives. I want all the kids to know that they should give back to communities that they come from.”-amir shaw
