Jay Wayne Jenkins (born September 28, 1977), known by his stage name Jeezy (or Young Jeezy), is an American rapper. He is credited, alongside fellow Georgia-based rappers T.I. and Gucci Mane, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences.[2][3] Jenkins began his career in 2001, releasing two independent albums until signing with Def Jam Recordings to release his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005). The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and received double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA); its lead single, "Soul Survivor" (featuring Akon), peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.[4][5]
Jay Wayne Jenkins was born on September 28, 1977, in Columbia, South Carolina.[6] When he was a toddler, Jenkins relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived with different family members, as a result of his parents separating.[6][7][8] In an interview with XXL magazine, he described his childhood as "empty". At a point in time he lived in Hawkinsville, Georgia, at 600N Lumpkin.[9] He lived in Macon, Georgia at an older age, where he befriended many Crip gang members and even affiliated himself with the Crips, and started his affiliation with Kinky B, who helped his musical career.
In 1995, Jeezy spent six months in YCP (Youth Challenge Program), a boot camp in Fort Stewart, Georgia, for narcotics possession.[10] In 1998, Jeezy launched the label imprint CTE World, then known as Corporate Thugz Entertainment.
In 2001, under the name Lil J, Young Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.),.[11] The album included features from artists Freddy J., Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon, who also produced some of the songs. In 2003, Jeezy independently released Come Shop wit Me, a two-CD set featuring new tracks along with some songs previously released on T.U.I. In 2004, Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records and joined the group Boyz n da Hood, whose self-titled album was released in June 2005 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
In May 2004, Jazze Pha's manager, Henry 'Noonie' Lee, showed Jeezy's demo to his friend Shakir Stewart, then Vice President Artist and Repertoire (VP A&R) at Def Jam.[12] Stewart "fell in love with it [the demo] the first time [he] heard it" and took it to L.A. Reid.[12] Reid recognized Jeezy's talent and gave Stewart the green light to sign him.[12] Due to Jeezy's rising popularity, other record labels began pursuing him simultaneously to sign with them, most notably, Warner and Interscope. Ultimately, Jeezy decided he wanted to be in business with Stewart and Reid and signed with Def Jam Records.[12]
Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005)
Jeezy released his major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, on July 26, 2005. The album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, selling 172,000 copies in its first week and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA.[13] The debut single off his debut album, "And Then What" featured Mannie Fresh and reached No. 67 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single off the album, "Soul Survivor" featuring Akon, reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Jeezy's highest-charting single of his career. The third single, "My Hood", reached No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. In an interview with HitQuarters, A&R Shakir Stewart said that Jeezy had recorded over 60 songs for the album.[12]
In interviews and on several records, Jeezy has affirmed his resistance to commercialism in his music.[14] According to Jeezy, maintaining his street credibility, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist.[10] In 2005, Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Mane's "Icy"[15] and Boyz n da Hood's "Dem Boyz". He later left the group after successfully establishing himself as a solo artist.
The Inspiration and U.S.D.A. (2006–2007)
Young Jeezy, 2006
In 2006, Jeezy was featured in Christina Milian's single "Say I". On December 12, 2006, he released his second major label album, The Inspiration. It topped the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 352,000 copies and went on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album's first single, "I Luv It", peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the second single, "Go Getta" featuring R. Kelly, peaked at No. 18.
Jeezy extended himself into gaming, portraying himself in the 3D hip-hop fighting game Def Jam: Icon, released in March 2007. Also in 2007, Jeezy's group U.S.D.A, alongside Blood Raw and Slick Pulla, released their debut album, Cold Summer. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 95,000 copies in its first week.
In the summer of 2008, Jeezy was at the center of a controversy over his choice for president. While he had previously endorsed Barack Obama, during an interview with Vibe, Jeezy spoke about meeting and supporting John McCain. The statement caused a stir, and Jeezy quickly clarified his stance via a viral video. In the four-minute explanation, Jeezy made it clear that Obama was his main choice. "I represent the Democratic party. ... I've never been nor do I ever plan to be a John McCain supporter", the rapper said. "I support Barack Obama."[17]
Jeezy and Jay-Z performed in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President Obama on January 18, 2009.[18] On The O'Reilly Factor, commentator Bill O'Reilly criticized their performance as a "rant that offended people", but Jeezy responded: "I got white friends. It's nothing like that. I'm a taxpayer, I got a right to voice my opinion at any point in time. I don't think he really understands my struggle."[19][20]
TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition and Its Tha World (2010–2012)
It was announced in November 2009 that Jeezy started working on Thug Motivation 103.[21] In March 2010, it was reported that Young Jeezy dropped "Young" from his stage name.[22] Later, Young Jeezy denied the name change and claimed it was just a rumor:[23] However, on the cover for his single "Lose My Mind", his name is printed as "Jeezy". "Lose My Mind" peaked at No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Nearly two years after first announcing work on Thug Motivation 103, on May 17, 2011, Jeezy released the first single off the album, "Ballin", which features Lil Wayne and peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. On July 22, the second intended single from the album was released, a track called "Shake Life," although it was later scrapped. In July 2011, Jeezy announced a September 20, 2011 release date for Thug Motivation 103.[24] The album was pushed back yet again, this time to December 20, 2011.[25] On September 29, 2011, Jeezy released the third single off Thug Motivation 103, named "F.A.M.E." (Fake Ass Motherfuckers Envy), featuring T.I.[26] The song was T.I.'s first appearance on a song since his release from prison.
On December 20, 2011, Thug Motivation 103 was released. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 233,000 copies in its first week, becoming certified Gold by the RIAA. "I Do" featuring André 3000 and Jay-Z was the album's fourth single. It peaked at No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Leave You Alone" featuring Ne-Yo, was the album's fifth single and reached No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2012, Young Jeezy's "I Do" received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.
In October 2012, Jeezy released a new single called "Get Right" on ITunes and sent it to radio. Shortly after the single's release, Jeezy confirmed he had plans to release a new mixtape by the end of 2012, as well as a new album in 2013. On December 12, 2012, Jeezy released It's Tha World, the aforementioned mixtape, hosted by DJ Drama.[27][28] The mixtape features 2 Chainz, Trey Songz, Lil Boosie, Birdman, YG and E-40. Production came from Jahlil Beats, The Renegades, DJ Mustard, Warren G, Mike WiLL Made It, Cardo and Black Metaphor.[29]
Boss Yo Life Up Gang, Seen It All: The Autobiography and Church in These Streets (2013–2015)
Young Jeezy Performs "Go Getta" and "Soul Survivor", 2014
On August 13, 2013, Young Jeezy released a compilation mixtape titled Boss Yo Life Up Gang with CTE World artists, Doughboyz Cashout and YG . The mixtape has two singles, "My Nigga" by YG and "Mob Life" by Doughboyz Cashout, both featuring Young Jeezy.[30] On September 17, 2013, Jeezy premiered the first single "In My Head", produced by Childish Major, from his CTE collaboration mixtape "Its Tha World 2". The following day he announced plans to release his next album, saying it will more deeply detail his street origins. He revealed that Future, Usher, Ludacris, and Don Cannon would be involved in the album.[31][32]
On May 30, 2014, Jeezy released the first single "Me Ok" from his upcoming fifth studio album Seen It All: The Autobiography.[33] On July 1, 2014, he released the second single, "Seen It All", featuring Jay-Z.[34] On August 31, 2015, Jeezy announced that he would release a new project entitled Church in These Streets. Four singles were released and the project as a whole came on November 13, 2015. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
Trap or Die 3, Pressure, TM104: The Legend of the Snowman and retirement (2016–2019)
On October 28, 2016, Jeezy released his new album Trap or Die 3, which became available for pre-order on iTunes earlier that month.[35] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming Jeezy's third album to top the chart.[36]
On December 15, 2017, Jeezy released his eighth studio album Pressure, originally titled Snow Season.
On August 23, 2019, Jeezy released his ninth album, TM104: The Legend of the Snowman. It was planned to be his final album, as he wanted to venture into acting at the time.[37]
The Recession 2 (2020–2022)
On November 20, 2020, Jeezy released his tenth studio album, The Recession 2. As with the original, The Recession, which was released 12 years prior, it is a reflection of the "current times", as Jeezy explained: "It just really inspired me to touch on some of that, but at the same time, motivate my people and give them something to help them through these times and to celebrate, because the shift is happening".The 15-track album features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Ne-Yo, Yo Gotti, E-40, and Demi Lovato, among others.[38] The night before the album's release, Jeezy went live for a Verzuz against rival Gucci Mane.[38] In addition to the album, he announced a limited series podcast called The (Re)Session Podcast.[39]
Snofall and Def Jam departure (2022–present)
On September 30, 2022, Jeezy announced a mixtape to be released the following month to help fulfill his contract with Def Jam Recordings, the label that housed him for over eighteen years. On October 21, 2022, the mixtape, Snofall, hosted by Gangsta Grillz DJ Drama was released.[40][41]
On Halloween 2023, Jeezy confirmed via Instagram that his contract with Def Jam has been fulfilled, while announcing a double album titled I Might Forgive, But I Don't Forget, which was released on November 3.[42]
Personal life
After Hurricane Katrina, Jeezy opened his house to victims, offering those who had been displaced from their homes a place to call home.[43]
Jeezy married Jeannie Mai in 2021.[44][45] The birth of their first child and daughter was announced on January 11, 2022.[46] He has three children from previous relationships.[47]
On September 14, 2023, Jeezy filed for divorce[48] from Mai in Georgia's Superior Court of Fulton County, stating that “the marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken” and “there is no hope for reconciliation.” He is seeking joint legal custody of their daughter.
Legal issues
On March 11, 2005, Jeezy was arrested after an alleged shooting with some of his friends in Miami Beach, Florida.[49] He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Prosecutors dropped the charges two months later due to lack of evidence.[50]
On June 18, 2008 in Atlanta, Young Jeezy was arrested for DUI.[51]
On April 16, 2013, Brian Smith filed a copyright infringement complaint seeking an injunction, damages, and attorney fees against Jay W. Jenkins d/b/a Young Jeezy Music and others in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, concerning the work "Jizzle", which was released in July 2010.[52]
On August 27, 2013, Leroy Hutson also known as Lee Hutson Sr., former lead singer of 1970s R&B group The Impressions, filed a complaint against Young Jeezy and others alleging that Young Jeezy's song "Time" inappropriately incorporated the instrumental portion of "Getting it On", which was registered with the United States Copyright Office in 1973.[53]
On January 4, 2014, Jeezy was arrested for battery, false imprisonment, and terrorist threats, after an alleged fight with his son in September 2012.[54]
On August 24, 2014, Jeezy was arrested before performing at the Irvine, California, stop on the Under The Influence Tour in connection with the deadly shooting two days prior in the backstage area, on another stop of the tour in Mountain View, California. When the police raided Jeezy's tour bus, they found an AK-47 military-style assault rifle and guns on several members of his entourage. Six people, including Jeezy were arrested, because "no one admitted to owning the assault rifle." His bail was set at one million dollars.[55][56]
On August 26, 2014, Jeezy, as well as the five other men he was arrested with, entered not guilty pleas to possession of an illegal assault rifle. Two days later, Jeezy and his associates bonded out.[57] Officers were reportedly told repeatedly that the registered owner of the AK-47 was the tour security chief, who was hospitalized at the time.[58]
Radric Delantic Davis, known professionally as Gucci Mane, is an American rapper. He is credited, along with fellow Atlanta-based rappers T.I. and Jeezy, with pioneering the hip hop subgenre trap music for mainstream audiences into the 2000s. His debut studio album, Trap House (2005) was released by the independent label Big Cat Records and entered the Billboard 200; it was followed by Hard to Kill (2006), which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100 entry with its 2007 single, "Freaky Gurl". That same year, he released his third album, Trap-A-Thon before signing with Atlantic Records to release his fourth album, Back to the Trap House (2007).
Mario Sentell Giden Mims, known professionally as Yo Gotti, is an American rapper and music executive. In 1996, he released his debut album Youngsta's On a Come Up under the alias Lil Yo. He went on to release From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game (2000), Self-Explanatory (2001), Life (2003), Back 2 da Basics (2006), Live from the Kitchen (2012), I Am (2013), The Art of Hustle (2016), I Still Am (2017), Untrapped (2020), and CM10: Free Game (2022).
The discography of Jeezy, an American rapper, consists of thirteen studio albums, 18 mixtapes, 70 singles and 28 music videos. Aside from his solo career, he has also released albums as a member of Boyz N Da Hood and U.S.D.A., respectively.
Algernod Lanier Washington, better known by his stage name Plies, is an American rapper. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies was a wide receiver on the Miami Redskins football team of Miami University in Ohio for two years in 1995 before embarking on a musical career. After a brief transfer to University of Central Florida, he dropped out and signed with the South Florida-based record label Slip-n-Slide Records in 2004; after four mixtapes, he signed a joint venture with Atlantic Records two years later.
"Go Crazy" is a song by American rapper Young Jeezy, released as the third single from his debut album Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101. The song was written by Jeezy and produced by Don Cannon. The CD single was released on August 30, 2005. It samples the song "(Man, Oh Man) I Want To Go Back" by The Impressions. The single was released through The Island Def Jam Music Group and Young Jeezy's Corporate Thugz Entertainment
Alonzo Keith Mathis Jr., better known by his stage name Gorilla Zoe, is an American rapper from East Point, Georgia. He joined the Bad Boy Records hip hop group Boyz n da Hood in 2006, following the departure of its lead member, Jeezy. His first album with the group, Back Up n da Chevy (2007) was met with lukewarm critical and commercial reception, leading to their subsequent disbandment. He then signed with Bad Boy, an imprint of Atlantic Records in a joint venture with Block Entertainment as a solo act to release his debut studio album, Welcome to the Zoo (2007).
"Put On" is a song by American recording artist Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West, from Jeezy's third studio album The Recession. The song was released as the album's lead single on June 3, 2008. The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and was featured in the video games Midnight Club: Los Angeles and Skate 3.
"Icy" is the debut single by American rapper Gucci Mane, featuring fellow American rappers Young Jeezy and Boo of the group Boo & Gotti. The track was released on April 13, 2005, as the lead single from his debut studio album, Trap House. The track is credited as the breakout song for both Gucci Mane and Jeezy.
Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson, better known by his stage name YG, is an American rapper. He released his debut mixtape 4Fingaz in 2008, and its follow-up, The Real 4Fingaz, the following year. The latter gained recognition for its local hit song "Toot It and Boot It", which entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 67 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings in October 2009, which entered joint-venture with Atlanta-based rapper Jeezy's record label, CTE World, in 2013.
TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition is the sixth studio album by American rapper Young Jeezy. It was released on December 20, 2011, by CTE World and Def Jam Recordings.
"Ballin'" is a song by American rapper Young Jeezy from the deluxe edition of his fourth studio album, Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition. It features rapper Lil Wayne and peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 15 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart..
"I Do" is the fourth single from Young Jeezy's fourth studio album Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition. The single features Jay-Z and André 3000. It was produced by M16. It is built around a sample of Lenny Williams 1979 song "Let's Talk It Over". The song was nominated for the Best Rap Performance at the 55th Grammy Awards.
CTE New World is an American record label founded by rapper Jeezy and his former business partner Kinky B in 2001. In December 2012, the label signed a joint venture deal with Atlantic. The label has signed artists including YG, Freddie Gibbs, Blood Raw, Scrilla, and Jeezy's group, USDA. The group's member, Boo Rossini was appointed as the label's president in 2016.
Dequantes Devontay Lamar, known professionally as Rich Homie Quan, was an American rapper. Beginning his career in 2010, Lamar first saw mainstream success with his 2013 single "Type of Way", which peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. His 2015 single, "Flex " saw further success at number 26 on the chart. Alongside fellow Atlanta rapper Young Thug, Lamar was a member of Cash Money Records' spin-off project Rich Gang, who found success with their 2014 single "Lifestyle".
Boss Yo Life Up Gang is a compilation mixtape by American rapper Young Jeezy's record label CTE World. The mixtape was released for free on August 13, 2013, by CTE World. The mixtape featured guest appearances by Nipsey Hussle and Rich Homie Quan. The mixtape was supported by two singles; "My Nigga" by YG featuring Young Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan, and "Mob Life" by Doughboyz Cashout also featuring Jeezy.
"Left, Right" is a song by American rapper YG, released on December 10, 2013 as the second single from his debut studio album My Krazy Life (2014). The song was produced by and features vocals from frequent collaborator DJ Mustard. It received positive reviews from critics. "Left, Right" peaked at number 44 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. A music video for the single, directed by Alex Nazari and YG, features a house party in Compton that's filled with cameos from Los Angeles rappers.
The discography of American rapper Young Thug consists of three studio albums, two compilation albums, twelve self-released mixtapes, seven commercial mixtapes, three extended plays, and sixty-nine singles.
Seen It All: The Autobiography is the seventh studio album by American rapper Jeezy. The album was released on September 2, 2014, through CTE World and Def Jam Recordings. The production was handled by several Southern hip hop producers, namely Drumma Boy, Mike Will Made It and Childish Major, among others. It features guest appearances from Jay-Z, Future, Rick Ross, The Game, Lil Boosie, August Alsina and Akon.
Maurice Samuel Young, better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, is an American rapper from Miami, Florida. He is best known for his 2004 single "Let's Go", which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The album of which it preceded, Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets (2004) peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 albums chart; both of which remain his most successful releases to date.
Trentavious Zamon White, better known by his stage name Bankroll Fresh, was an American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for posthumous guest appearance on fellow Atlanta rapper Jeezy's 2016 single "All There," which received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Prior, he garnered local attention for his 2015 single "Walked In". Also posthumously, he starred in the independent short film Take Over Your Trap in 2016.
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