Jeezy turns 47 today, and the Atlanta superstar is still motivating us all.
Born on September 28th, 1977, in Columbia, South Carolina, Jay Wayne Jenkins—better known to the world as Jeezy—relocated to Atlanta at a young age, where he would eventually rise to hip-hop stardom. His illustrious career took off in the underground music scene with the release of his first independent album, “Thuggin’ Under the Influence,” in 2001 under the moniker Lil J. This opened the door for Jeezy to release his follow-up, “Come Shop wit Me,” in 2003, now going by his current rap name with appearances from Bone Crusher and Lil Jon.
A turning point in his career came when he signed with Bad Boy in 2004 as part of his hip-hop group, Boyz N Da Hood. Their single, “Dem Boyz,” peaked at number 15 on both the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and U.S. Hot Rap Songs charts, becoming a southern rap staple. While this was a welcome turning point in his career, Jeezy continued pursuing his solo endeavors, releasing tapes “Tha Streets Iz Watchin” and the monumental “Trap or Die” in January 2005 ahead of his first commercial solo album.
Through a blossoming deal with Def Jam, Jeezy released one of the most prominent hip-hop albums to date, “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101,” on July 26th, 2005. The lead single, “And Then What,” introduced fans to Jeezy’s mainstream sound, which was still rooted in his street upbringing. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, moving 172,000 copies in its first week. The project is now two times platinum and has long been regarded as his best body of work.
His subsequent albums, including 2006’s “The Inspiration” and 2008’s “The Recession,” further cemented his status. The latter, in particular, resonated with listeners due to its themes of struggle and resilience during tough economic times. It featured hits like “Put On” with Kanye West and “My President” featuring Nas. This album marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his ability to tackle social issues through his music.
Beyond his own catalog, Jeezy has helped others grow as artists, including Freddie Gibbs and YG. His label, Corporate Thugz Entertainment, has released several mixtapes, such as 2007’s “U.S.D.A.: Cold Summer.” Jeezy has also explored and succeeded in various entrepreneurial endeavors, such as his American Cut steakhouse in Atlanta and his sports agency, representing both NBA and NFL players.
As we honor this rap legend on his birthday, let’s remember his musical attributes and his evolution as an artist and entrepreneur. From his early days in the South’s hip-hop scene to becoming a cultural icon, Jeezy’s legacy continues to inspire many in the industry and beyond.
While it’s impossible to choose the best Jeezy tracks, here are just a few must-haves on your Snowman playlist.
“Done It”
“And Then What”
“I Luv It”
“All There”
“Who Dat”
“Way Too Gone”
“Supafreak”
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