Jeezy

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Young Jeezy
)
Not to be confused with G-Eazy or Jay-Z.

Jeezy
Jeezy in 2019
Born
Jay Wayne Jenkins

(1977-09-28) September 28, 1977 (age 46)
Columbia, South Carolina, U.S.
Other names
  • Lil' J
  • Young Jeezy
  • The Snowman
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • record executive
  • actor
Years active1997–present
Spouse
​
​
(m. 2021; sep. 2023)​
Children4
Awards
U.S.D.A.
Formerly ofBoyz n da Hood
Websitejeezyofficial.com

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

double platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album was led by the single "Soul Survivor" (featuring Akon), which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.[4][5]

His second and third albums,

Hard" by Rihanna, and "Love in This Club" by Usher
; the latter peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

Along with his solo career, Jenkins is the de facto leader of the

United Streets Dopeboyz of America (U.S.D.A.), and a former member of the Bad Boy Records group Boyz n da Hood. His record label, CTE World was formed in 2001 and has signed artists including YG and Freddie Gibbs
.

Biography

Early life and career beginnings (1977–2004)

Jay Wayne Jenkins was born on September 28, 1977, in

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 600 N Lumpkin.[9] He had 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 1994, Jeezy spent nine months in YCA (Youth Challenge Academy), a

boot camp in Fort Stewart, Georgia, for narcotics possession.[10] Four years later, 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,

Def Jam Records as a result.[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 would become 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 would later leave the group after successfully establishing himself as a solo artist.

The Inspiration and U.S.D.A. (2006–2007)

Young Jeezy in 2006

In 2006, Jeezy was featured in

The Inspiration. It topped the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 352,000 copies and would go 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 also extended himself into gaming, portraying himself in the 3D hip-hop fighting game

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.

On December 17, 2007, Jeezy and CTE started their week-long toy drive and charity event series called the Toyz N Da Hood Drive. The series presented 1,000 toys for 1,000 kids at various locations in Macon and Atlanta. The CTE Christmas Kickoff portion of the event ran from 10 pm to 5 am at Club Miami. The toy giveaway took place in the Unionville neighborhood of Macon and at the Old Fourth Ward Community in Atlanta.[16]

The Recession (2008)

On September 2, 2008, Jeezy released

Usher's "Love in This Club" and Akon's "I'm So Paid", which was also with Lil Wayne. "Love in This Club" peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, Jeezy performed on Ciara's single "Never Ever", from her album Fantasy Ride.[17]

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."[18] Jeezy and Jay-Z performed in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President Obama on January 18, 2009.[19] 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."[20][21]

TM:103 Hustlerz Ambition and Its Tha World (2010–2012)

It was announced in November 2009 that Jeezy started working on

Thug Motivation 103.[22] In March 2010, it was reported that Young Jeezy dropped "Young" from his stage name.[23] Later, Young Jeezy denied the name change and claimed it was just a rumor:[24] 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.

On March 4, 2010, Jeezy released "Illin", featuring Pusha T of the rap duo Clipse. On the track, Pusha T raps, "No amount of record sales could derail this ...Stuffing dead prezzies in the wall like that Yale bitch..." This line was controversial as many felt the line was in bad taste since it references Yale student Annie Le, who was murdered in 2009. Many felt Young Jeezy and Pusha were making light of Le's tragic death.[25]

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

Grammy
nomination for Best Rap Performance.

In October 2012, Jeezy released a new single called "Get Right" on

Mike WiLL Made It, Cardo and Black Metaphor.[31]

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" in 2014

On August 13, 2013, Young Jeezy released a compilation mixtape titled

Usher, Ludacris, and Don Cannon would be involved in the album.[33][34]

On May 30, 2014, Jeezy released the first single "Me Ok" from his upcoming fifth studio album

Seen It All", featuring Jay-Z.[36] 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.[37] It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming Jeezy's third album to top the chart.[38]

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.[39]

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.[40] The night before the album's release, Jeezy went live for a Verzuz against rival Gucci Mane.[40] In addition to the album, he announced a limited series podcast called The (Re)Session Podcast.[41]

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.[42][43]

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.[44]

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.[45]

Jeezy married Jeannie Mai in 2021.[46][47] The birth of their first child and daughter was announced on January 11, 2022.[48] He has three children from previous relationships.[49]

On September 14, 2023, Jeezy filed for divorce[50] 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 also 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.[51] He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit; however, prosecutors dropped his charges two months later due to lack of evidence.[52]

In Atlanta on June 18, 2008, Young Jeezy was arrested for

DUI.[53]

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.[54]

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.[55]

On January 4, 2014, Jeezy was arrested for battery, false imprisonment, and terrorist threats, after an alleged fight with his son in September 2012.[56]

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. In total six people, including Jeezy were arrested, because "no one admitted to owning the assault rifle." His bail was set at one million dollars.[57][58] On August 26, 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.[59] Officers were reportedly told repeatedly that the registered owner of the AK-47 was the tour security chief, who was hospitalized at the time.[60]

Discography

Main article: Jeezy discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Awards

American Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Young Jeezy
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist
 Nominated
The Inspiration
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album
 Nominated
BET Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 "I'm So Hood (Remix)" Best Collaboration Nominated
2009 Young Jeezy
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist
 Nominated[62]
2010 "
Hard" (with Rihanna
) 		Viewer's Choice Won
  • Note: "I'm So Hood (Remix)" with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross
BET Hip Hop Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 Hip-Hop CD of the Year Nominated[63]
Young Jeezy Hip-Hop MVP of the Year Nominated[63]
2008 "I'm So Hood (Remix)" Best Hip-Hop Video Nominated
Best Hip-Hop Collaboration Won
"Put On" (featuring Kanye West) People's Champ Award Nominated
  • Note: "I'm So Hood (Remix)" with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross
Grammy Award
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2009 "Put On" (featuring Kanye West)
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
 Nominated
2010 "Amazing" (with Kanye West) Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Nominated
2011 "Lose My Mind" (featuring Plies) Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Nominated
2013 "I Do" (featuring Jay-Z and André 3000)
Best Rap Performance
 Nominated
Ozone Awards[citation needed]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 The Inspiration Best Rap Album Won
"Go Getta" (featuring R. Kelly) Best Rap/R&B Collaboration Nominated
"Grew Up a Screw Up" (with Ludacris) Best Video Nominated
USDA Best Group Nominated
2008 Young Jeezy Best Rap Artist Nominated
"Love in This Club" (with Usher) Best Rap/R&B Collaboration Won

References

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External links

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