Founded in 2013 in Compton, Trap Kitchen was built by former rivals Malachi “Spank” Jenkins and Roberto “News” Smith. Starting from a grandmother’s kitchen and selling through Instagram, they transformed hustle into a nationally recognized brand. Blending soul food, Southern comfort, and bold flavors, they grew through pop-ups, food trucks, catering, and cookbooks—proving authenticity, resilience, and digital entrepreneurship can turn second chances into lasting success.