Jump to content

Jeezy

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 80.195.169.11 (talk) at 15:39, 8 March 2009. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Template:Infobox musical artist 2 Jay Jenkins (born October 12, 1977)[1] better known by his stage name Young Jeezy, is an American rapper.

Early life

Jay Jenkins was born in Columbia, South Carolina.[1] His family moved to Atlanta when he was a toddler.[2] Because his parents were separated, custody of him transferred between family members frequently. In an interview with XXL magazine, he described his childhood as "empty".[3]

Music career

Independent debut

Young Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.), in 2001 under the name Lil J.[4] It featured artists such as Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon, who also produced some of the tracks. In 2003, Jeezy released (also independently) Come Shop Wit' Me, a two CD set featuring completely new tracks with songs from T.U.I.

Boyz n da Hood, major label debut

In 2004, he signed with Bad Boy Records and joined the Boyz n da Hood group. Boyz n da Hood’s self-titled album was released on June 21, 2005 and peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Young Jeezy also released a solo album around this time, which was his major label debut, with Def Jam Records. Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was released on July 26, 2005 and debuted at #2, selling 172,000 copies in its first week. Guest appearances include Young Buck, T.I., Trick Daddy, Akon, Mannie Fresh, Lil Scrappy, Bun B, Lloyd, Slick Pulla, & Lil Will.[5]

Young Jeezy partially wrote and performed on Gucci Mane’s song, “Icy”. Supposedly, Jeezy was never paid properly for his services. Those in Gucci Mane’s camp have suggested that gang members from the Mechanicsville area attacked Gucci Mane to defend Young Jeezy’s honor.[6] Young Jeezy put out a track called “Stay Strapped” dissing Gucci Mane to the beat of T.I.’s song “A.S.A.P.” Young Jeezy took a shot at Mane on the track, rapping “even his own momma know, Radric Davis a bitch”. In a recent Cutmaster C mixtape, The Hood News Page 3: Jay-Z Boycotts Cristal, Mane disses Jeezy along with Jay Z in his track, “745”. Jeezy also addresses Mane in the same mixtape, in the track “Break It Down”, featuring Cmillz. On "Streets On Lock", from The Inspiration, Jeezy once again addressed Gucci Mane, saying "what type of real nigga name himself after a bag, nigga you's a hoe, a Louis Vuitton fag".

In interviews and on several records, Young Jeezy has affirmed his resistance to commercialism in his music.[7] Maintaining his street credibility, according to Jeezy, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist.[3] In 2005, Young Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Mane’s “Icy”[8] and Boyz n da Hood’s “Dem Boyz”.

The Inspiration, U.S.D.A.- The Rise of Jeezy (2006-2007)

In 2006, he was featured in Christina Milian’s single “Say I”. Jeezy’s second major label album was The Inspiration, released in 2006. The album’s first single “I Luv It” peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Bury Me a G” and “Go Getta” featuring R. Kelly, and "Dreamin’ " featuring Keyshia Cole followed.

He also portrayed himself in the hip-hop fighting themed game Def Jam: Icon. In 2007, Young Jeezy released Cold Summer, an album by rap group USDA which consists of Young Jeezy, Slick Pulla, and Blood Raw.[1]

Young Jeezy presented a week-long toy drive and charity event series with his CTE family with the first annual Toyz n da Hood toy drive. The series presented 1,000 toys for 1,000 kids at various locations in Macon and Atlanta, which began on December 17, 2007, with the CTE Christmas Kickoff from 10PM to 5AM at Club Miami. The toy giveaway took place in the Unionville neighborhood of Macon and at the Old Fourth Ward Community in Atlanta.[9]

The Recession (2008-present)

His third album, The Recession, was released in 2008. "Put On" featuring Kanye West was the lead single, which also led to a Grammy Nomiation for Best Rap performance by a duo, but it came short. Put On was followed by "Vacation", "Crazy World", "My President" with Nas, and "Who Dat" to complete the Recession's singles. Jeezy appeared on the R&B singles "Love in this Club" by Usher and "I'm So Paid" by Akon (also with Lil Wayne). "Love in this Club" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, he performed on Ciara's single "Never Ever", from her album Fantasy Ride.[10]

In June & July 2008, Jeezy was at the center of a controversy over his choice for president. While he had previously endorsed Barack Obama, he spoke about meeting John McCain during an interview with Vibe magazine, in which he was quoted as saying "No disrespect to my man Barack, but I fuck with John McCain." The statement caused a stir, and Jeezy quickly clarified his choice, via a viral video. In the four-minute explanation, Jeezy made it clear, 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." [11] In a performance to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on 18 January 2009 with fellow rapper Jay-Z[12][13]. While performing a song called 'My President is Black', Jeezy told the crowd "I wanna thank two people. I wanna thank the motherf*ckers overseas that threw two shoes at George Bush. And I want to thank... the motherf*ckers who helped them move their sh*t up out of the White House. Keep it moving b*tch because my president is motherf*cking black." [14] In response to criticism of Jeezy by the O'Reilly Factor, Jeezy stated to MTV "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 'cause I'm a crip."[15]

Personal life

In the early hours of September 29, 2007, Young Jeezy totaled his Lamborghini when it was hit by a taxi crossing Peachtree Street, outside of Justin’s, Sean Combs’ restaurant in Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported his claim that this gave him "a new appreciation for life". Jeezy also has a son. Jeezy was dating R&B artist Keyshia Cole[16] Though many people believed he is related to fellow rapper Yung Joc, he cleared the rumor up by telling the media that he is not related to the fellow Atlanta rapper, though they are friends. Both rappers are known for their slow, southern flow.[17]

After Hurricane Katrina, Young Jeezy opened his house to the victims in an effort to help them have a place to stay.[18]

Criminal record

On March 12, 2006, Jeezy was arrested after an alleged shootout involving some of his friends in Miami Beach, Florida. He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, however, he was acquitted over lack of evidence.[19] In Atlanta on June 18, 2008, police arrested him for DUI.[20]

Discography

Main article: Young Jeezy discography

Collaboration Albums

  • 2008: Untitled (with akon)

Filmography

Awards

  • BET Awards
    • 2008, Best Collaboration ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated]
  • BET Hip-Hop Awards
    • 2008, Best Hip-Hop Video ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated]
    • 2008, Best Hip-Hop Collabo ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated]
    • 2008, People's Champ Award ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated]
    • 2006, Hip-Hop CD of the Year ("Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101") [Nominated]
  • Grammy Awards
    • 2009, Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated]
  • Ozone Awards
    • 2008, Best Rap Artist [Nominated]
    • 2008, Best Rap/R&B Collaboration ("Love in this Club") with Usher (Won)
    • 2007, Best Rap Album ("The Inspiration") (Won)
    • 2007, Best Rap/R&B Collaboration ("Go Getta") with R. Kelly [Nominated]
    • 2007, Best Video ("Grew Up a Screw Up") with Ludacris [Nominated]
    • 2007, Best Group with Slick Pulla & Blood Raw as USDA [Nominated]

References

  1. ^ a b c Kellman, Andy (2008). "Young Jeezy: Biography". allmusic. Retrieved 2009-01-16.
  2. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2005-06-01). "Young Jeezy". You Hear It First. MTV News. Retrieved 2009-02-24.
  3. ^ a b Thompson, Bonsu (October 2005). "I'm a King". XXL. Retrieved 2009-02-24.
  4. ^ "Thuggin' Under the Influence". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |ate= (help); Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Ethan Brown (May 4, 2006). "Album sales". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "Beef with Gucci Mane". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  7. ^ "My Hood lyrics". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  8. ^ "Popular single "Icy"". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  9. ^ HHWorlds.com – Young Jeezy Hosts 'Toyz n da Hood' (December 14, 2007)
  10. ^ Ciara's New Single Confirmed Rap-Up.com. Accessed December 19, 2008.
  11. ^ Young Jeezy Clarifies McCain Comments, Pledges Support For Obama BallerStatus.com.
  12. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZS88qRu4eA
  13. ^ http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/get_sillay_young_jeezy_enforces_country_s_racial_segregation-1.1485034
  14. ^ http://pleasedontstare.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/jay-z-my-president-is-black-remix-live-1-18-09/
  15. ^ http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605130/20090213/west_kanye.jhtml
  16. ^ 40/40 Club Stabbing. SOHH. Accessed October 10, 2007.
  17. ^ Krista Desens (July 11, 2006). "Yung Joc". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help); Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  18. ^ "Jeezy helps hurricane victims". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  19. ^ Mark Lelinwalla (March 13, 2006). "Jeezy arrested". Retrieved 29 November 2006. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dateformat= ignored (help)
  20. ^ Harris, Chris (2008-06-18). "Young Jeezy Arrested In Atlanta". MTV News. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
  21. ^ Jeezy Talks Movie With Ice Cube, Remix With Jay-Z
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Young Jeezy.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Jeezy&oldid=275822255"