Tacoma Businessman, hip hop promoter and owner of The Cuban Plug Jimmy Bagalini teamed up with Seattle rapper Livio to spread love and resources during their annual community giveback at Lake City Skate Park. For them, it was a day for the kids as they distributed school supplies and spoke about the importance of education. They also brought out friends Ill Chris, DJ KUN LUV, and DJ Funk Daddy to inspire and encourage the youth.

“It’s all about teaching the kids about sales and entrepreneurship instead of taking the street route,” Bagalini said. “I love my community and the Pacific Northwest.”

This was the first time the event has taken place outside of Bagalini’s native Tacoma, and he says the reason for the switch this year was to travel to the neighborhood of rapper Livio and help out the community in Lake City. 

“We gave out hundreds of backpacks, we did a raffle for a Playstation 5, we had a bounce house,” Livio said. “Everything’s for the children, and we all could come together no matter what side of town you’re from. 

Other give-backs included free shaved ice, Nike gift cards, haircuts and more.

Local parent Aminah Long said she found out about the giveaway through social media, and was happy she decided to come out with her kids.

“It’s been such a great vibe and just the right energy I think my kids need going back to school,” Long said. 

For Bagalini, the community outreach and support is something that’s been at the top of his mind for over a decade. He founded the Tacoma battle rap scene, through which he focused heavily on supporting the community through the events. 

“You can use hip hop as a tool however you want. We use it for positive every single day,” Bagalini said.

You can see more from the day in the video and find out more on Bagalini’s page at Jimmy Bagalini

Make sure to tune into Back2Besa with Besa Gordon every Saturday at 10:30 pm on FOX 13 Seattle and stream the replay on Sunday at 10 am on FOX 13+ more great stories.