Jeezy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeezy
Jeezy in 2019
Born	Jay Wayne Jenkins (1977-09-28) September 28, 1977 (age 47) Columbia, North Carolina, U.S.
Other names	Lil' J Young Jeezy The Snowman
Occupation	Rapper songwriter record executive record producer actor
Years active	1997–present
Spouse(s)	Jeannie Mai ​ ​ (m. 2021; div. 2024)​
Children	4
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Hawkinsville, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Southern hip-hop trap gangsta rap
Labels	Island Def Jam Def Jam Corporate Thugz
Signature

Jay Wayne Jenkins (born September 28, 1977), known by his stage name Jeezy (or Young Jeezy), is an American rapper. He is known for helping to make a type of hip hop music called trap music popular for many listeners. He started his music career in 2001. After releasing two independent albums, he signed with Def Jam Recordings.

His first major album, Let's Get It: ... 101 (2005), was very successful. It reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart and sold many copies. The song "Soul Survivor" (featuring Akon) became his highest-charting song, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. His next albums, ... 102: The Inspiration (2006) and The Recession (2008), also did very well, both reaching the top of the Billboard 200. The song "Put On" (featuring Kanye West) from The Recession was even nominated for a Grammy Award.

Jeezy has had many popular songs, including "I Luv It" and "My President" (featuring Nas). He has also been featured on songs by other famous artists like Rihanna ("Hard") and Usher ("Love in This Club"). The song "Love in This Club" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008. Besides his solo music, Jeezy is also a leader of the hip hop group U.S.D.A. He also used to be a member of the group Boyz n da Hood. In 2001, he started his own record label called CTE World, which has signed artists like YG.

Early Life and Music Beginnings (1977–2004)

Jay Wayne Jenkins was born on September 28, 1977, in Columbia, North Carolina. When he was very young, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and lived with different family members because his parents separated. He has described his childhood as "empty." He also lived in Hawkinsville, Georgia, and Macon, Georgia, where he became friends with people who helped him with his music.

In 1998, Jeezy started his record label, CTE World, which was first known as Corporate Thugz Entertainment. In 2001, using the name Lil J, he released his first independent album, .... This album included songs produced by Lil Jon. In 2003, Jeezy released another independent album called Come Shop wit Me.

In 2004, Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records and joined the group Boyz n da Hood. Their album, released in June 2005, reached number 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Later, Jeezy's music caught the attention of Shakir Stewart at Def Jam, who helped him sign with Def Jam Records.

First Major Album: Let's Get It: ... 101 (2005)

Jeezy released his first major album, Let's Get It: ... 101, on July 26, 2005. The album was very popular, selling 172,000 copies in its first week and reaching number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. It later sold enough copies to be certified Platinum.

The first song from the album, "And Then What" featuring Mannie Fresh, reached number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second song, "Soul Survivor" featuring Akon, was even more successful, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This became Jeezy's highest-charting song. The third song, "My Hood," reached number 77. Jeezy has always focused on keeping his music real and connected to his experiences. In 2005, he was featured on other popular hip hop songs, like Gucci Mane's "Icy." He later left Boyz n da Hood to focus on his solo career.

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

Young Jeezy, 2006

In 2006, Jeezy was featured on Christina Milian's song "Say I". On December 12, 2006, he released his second major album, The Inspiration. This album was a big hit, topping the Billboard 200 chart and selling 352,000 copies in its first week. It also became certified Platinum. The first song from the album, "I Luv It", reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second song, "Go Getta" featuring R. Kelly, reached number 18.

Jeezy also appeared in the 3D hip-hop fighting game Def Jam: Icon, released in March 2007. In the same year, Jeezy's group U.S.D.A., which includes Blood Raw and Slick Pulla, released their first album, Cold Summer. This album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.

The Recession Album (2008)

On September 2, 2008, Jeezy released The Recession, his third studio album. This album also reached number one on the Billboard 200, selling 260,000 copies in its first week. It later became certified gold. The main song from the album, "Put On", featured Kanye West and reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Recession earned Jeezy a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo. Other songs from the album included "Vacation" and "My President" featuring Nas.

Jeezy also appeared on other popular songs, such as Usher's "Love in This Club" and Akon's "I'm So Paid". "Love in This Club" reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2008, Jeezy was part of a discussion about his choice for president. He had supported Barack Obama. After some confusion, Jeezy made it clear that Obama was his main choice. He said, "I represent the Democratic party. ... I support Barack Obama." Jeezy and Jay-Z performed at a concert to celebrate President Obama's inauguration on January 18, 2009.

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

In November 2009, it was announced that Jeezy began working on TM103: ... Ambition. In March 2010, there were rumors that he dropped "Young" from his stage name, but he denied it at first. However, on the cover for his song "Lose My Mind", his name was printed as "Jeezy." This song reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.

On May 17, 2011, Jeezy released the first song from the album, "Ballin," which features Lil Wayne. This song reached number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album TM103: ... Ambition was released on December 20, 2011. It debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, selling 233,000 copies in its first week, and was certified Gold. "I Do" featuring André 3000 and Jay-Z was another popular song from the album, reaching number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Leave You Alone" featuring Ne-Yo reached number 51. In 2012, Jeezy's "I Do" received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.

In October 2012, Jeezy released a new song called "Get Right." He also announced plans for a new mixtape and an album. On December 12, 2012, Jeezy released the mixtape It's Tha World, hosted by DJ Drama. The mixtape featured artists like 2 Chainz and Trey Songz.

Later Albums: Seen It All and Church in These Streets (2013–2015)

Young Jeezy Performs "Go Getta" and "Soul Survivor", 2014

On August 13, 2013, Young Jeezy released a mixtape called Boss Yo Life Up ... with artists from his CTE World label. On May 30, 2014, Jeezy released "Me Ok," the first song from his fifth studio album, Seen It All: The Autobiography. On July 1, 2014, he released the second song, "Seen It All", featuring Jay-Z.

On August 31, 2015, Jeezy announced a new project called Church in These Streets. This album was released on November 13, 2015, and debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.

Trap or Die 3, Pressure, and TM104 (2016–2019)

On October 28, 2016, Jeezy released his album Trap or Die 3. This album became his third to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

On December 15, 2017, Jeezy released his eighth studio album, Pressure. On August 23, 2019, Jeezy released his ninth album, TM104: The Legend of the Snowman. At the time, he planned for this to be his last album, as he wanted to try acting.

The Recession 2 and Snofall (2020–Present)

On November 20, 2020, Jeezy released his tenth studio album, The Recession 2. Like his earlier album The Recession, this album reflected on "current times." Jeezy explained that it was meant to motivate people and give them something to celebrate. The album has 15 songs and features artists like Rick Ross and Demi Lovato. The night before the album's release, Jeezy participated in a Verzuz music battle with Gucci Mane.

On September 30, 2022, Jeezy announced a new mixtape to complete his contract with Def Jam Recordings, where he had been for over eighteen years. On October 21, 2022, the mixtape, Snofall, hosted by Gangsta Grillz DJ Drama, was released. On Halloween 2023, Jeezy confirmed that his contract with Def Jam was finished. He also announced a double album called I Might Forgive, But I Don't Forget, which was released on November 3, 2023.

Personal Life

After Hurricane Katrina, a major storm, Jeezy opened his home to people who had lost their homes, offering them a place to stay.

Jeezy married Jeannie Mai in 2021. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, on January 11, 2022. Jeezy also has three other children from earlier relationships. On September 14, 2023, Jeezy filed for divorce from Mai.

Music Albums

Studio albums

• ... (2001)
• Come Shop Wit Me (2003)
• Let's Get It: ... 101 (2005)
• ... 102: The Inspiration (2006)
• The Recession (2008)
• TM103: ... Ambition (2011)
• Seen It All: The Autobiography (2014)
• Church in These Streets (2015)
• Trap or Die 3 (2016)
• Pressure (2017)
• TM104: The Legend of the Snowman (2019)
• The Recession 2 (2020)
• I Might Forgive... But I Don't Forget (2023)

Movies

• 2009: Janky Promoters
• 2019: I Got the Hook Up 2

Awards and Nominations

Jeezy has received several awards and nominations for his music.

American Music Awards

BET Awards

BET Hip Hop Awards

Grammy Award

Ozone Awards