In a powerful blend of culture, advocacy, and community leadership, Quavo appeared on a special live episode of All The Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, recorded during the second annual Rocket Foundation Summit at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Held during Gun Violence Prevention Month, the summit served as a bold call to action to “Change The Game,” honoring the life and legacy of Takeoff while sparking urgent dialogue around solutions to end gun violence.
The episode opened with an introduction to Greg Jackson, the newly appointed President of The Rocket Foundation, followed by a discussion on the organization’s mission to uplift community-led efforts in the fight against gun violence. Quavo, who co-founded the Rocket Foundation in the wake of Takeoff’s death, reflected on his personal journey—from artist to advocate—and spoke about how his upbringing in Atlanta fueled his passion for change.
“I’m using my voice to help change the culture and give the next generation real options—real purpose,” Quavo said. “This is bigger than music. It’s about life.”
Throughout the episode, the conversation covered the roots of the Rocket Foundation and the importance of addressing violence with compassion and community investment. Quavo emphasized the need to support grassroots organizations and youth development, using his platform to help shift the narrative in underserved communities.
A live keynote conversation followed the podcast segment, bringing together survivors, youth athletes, community leaders, and families affected by gun violence. The dialogue focused on accountability in pop culture and professional sports, the emotional toll of violence, and the importance of healing. An open audience Q&A further grounded the session in real experiences, offering space for stories and solutions directly from those impacted.
This year’s Rocket Foundation Summit built on the momentum of its inaugural event, previously hosted in partnership with the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Returning to Quavo’s hometown of Atlanta, the summit continued to drive conversations and strategies focused on changing the culture around violence and promoting community resilience.
The event featured powerful voices from across the gun violence prevention space, including:
- Marcus Ellis, Deputy Director of Impact at Cities United
- Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action
- Amber Goodwin, Founder of Community Justice and the CVI Legal Network
- Dr. Chico Tillmon, Executive Director of the CVI Leadership Academy
Youth leaders from Berkmar High School, Huncho Elite, and Rocket Camp also participated, further reinforcing the summit’s mission to provide young people with positive pathways toward success.
“This is how we create a new standard,” said Quavo. “Through unity, education, and access. Through real talk and real solutions.”
With continued support from artists, athletes, community organizations, and national advocacy leaders, the Rocket Foundation Summit not only pays tribute to Takeoff’s memory but serves as a growing blueprint for reducing gun violence and creating systemic change.
The full All The Smoke episode featuring Quavo is available now. For more information on the Rocket Foundation and how to support its mission, visit its official platforms.