Mega hip-hop producer Zaytoven was recognized by the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for his contribution of $25,000.
Inspired by the holidays, Zaytoven or Xavier Lamar Dotson, 39, wanted to make a donation that would positively uplift the Atlanta community.
The donation was arranged through Zay Area Foundation, his nonprofit that focuses on alleviating poverty and hunger and implementing music programs and training in churches, schools and community centers.
“I never want to be the guy that’s over here and everybody else is down here. I’m like let me be in the middle. I want to bridge the gap some kind of way,” he said.
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta honored the trap music star by naming a hospital unit after him at a ribbon-cutting event attended by his friends and family.
The Atlanta music producer is not new to the healthcare industry. His mother worked as a nurse for nearly three decades.
One of Zaytoven’s favorite pastimes is to play his keyboard for patients in the hospital.
“It’s amazing to me because I never thought I would be in the position that I’m in. I never thought I would be a music producer or be in the position where I can help somebody,” he said.
He hopes that his story can be an inspiration for others to use their platform to give back and pay it forward.
“God blesses people to bless other people. That’s the reason I’m in the position I’m in,” he said.
Zaytoven has made a name for himself in the music industry producing songs for the likes of Gucci Mane, Future, Lil Uzi Vert and many more artists. He was heavily influenced by church while growing up, learning how to play a variety of instruments.
He first gained mainstream recognition with the hit Gucci Mane song “Icy” in 2005. Zaytoven’s career would elevate to superstar status after he won a Grammy for his work on Usher’s album Raymond v. Raymond in 2011. Since then, he has been instrumental in the rise of the Migos and has even starred in his own films.
