Jeezy

Jeezy built a two-decade rap career by helping bring trap music to mainstream audiences. Born Jay Wayne Jenkins on September 28, 1977, in the US, he began recording in 2001 before signing with Def Jam. His major-label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200, sold 172,000 copies in its first week, and earned double platinum certification. The album's lead single, "Soul Survivor" (featuring Akon), peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song.

His next two albums, Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration (2006) and The Recession (2008), both topped the Billboard 200. "Put On" (featuring Kanye West), the lead single from The Recession, earned a Grammy Award nomination. Over his career, Jeezy has released platinum-certified singles including "I Luv It," "Go Getta" (featuring R. Kelly), "My President" (featuring Nas), "Lose My Mind" (featuring Plies), and "Leave You Alone" (featuring Ne-Yo). He guest-featured on major R&B tracks like Rihanna's "Hard" and Usher's "Love in This Club," the latter topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

Beyond solo work, Jeezy is the de facto leader of the Southern hip-hop group U.S.D.A. (United Streets Dopeboyz of America) and a former member of Bad Boy Records' Boyz n da Hood. His record label, CTE World, founded in 2001, has signed artists including YG and Freddie Gibbs. As a Libra born in late September, Jeezy channels the sign's strategic, partnership-driven energy—evident in his collaborations and label-building work. Rappers perform live, record albums, and build cultural influence through their artistry.