Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeezy
How Jeezy built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jeezy, born Jay Wayne Jenkins, is an influential American rapper recognized as a pioneer of trap music alongside T.I. and Gucci Mane. He began his career in 2001 with independent releases before signing with Def Jam Recordings. His major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005), was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and achieving double platinum certification. The album's hit single, "Soul Survivor," peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Jeezy's highest-charting song.
1998: CTE World Launch
In 1998, Jeezy launched the label imprint CTE World, known then as Corporate Thugz Entertainment.
2001: Early Career
In 2001, Jeezy began his career by releasing two independent albums.
2001: First Independent Album Release
In 2001, under the name Lil J, Young Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.).
2003: Come Shop wit Me Release
In 2003, Jeezy independently released Come Shop wit Me, a two-CD set.
May 2004: Def Jam Interest
In May 2004, Shakir Stewart, VP A&R at Def Jam, heard Jeezy's demo and presented it to L.A. Reid, leading to Jeezy signing with Def Jam Records.
2004: Signing with Bad Boy Records
In 2004, Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records.
June 2005: Boyz n da Hood Album Release
In June 2005, the self-titled album 'Boyz n da Hood', featuring Jeezy, was released, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
July 26, 2005: Let's Get It Album Release
On July 26, 2005, Jeezy released his major label debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101.
2005: Major Label Debut
In 2005, Jeezy signed with Def Jam Recordings and released his major label debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101.
2005: Featured in Popular Hip Hop Songs
In 2005, Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Mane's "Icy" and Boyz n da Hood's "Dem Boyz".
December 12, 2006: The Inspiration Album Release
On December 12, 2006, Jeezy released his second major label album, The Inspiration.
2006: Continued Album Success
In 2006, Jeezy's second album, Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration, was released and peaked atop the Billboard 200.
March 2007: Def Jam: Icon Appearance
In March 2007, Jeezy was featured as himself in the 3D hip-hop fighting game Def Jam: Icon.
September 2, 2008: The Recession Album Release
On September 2, 2008, Jeezy released his third studio album 'The Recession', which became his second consecutive number one album.
2008: The Recession Album and Grammy Nomination
In 2008, Jeezy released 'The Recession,' his third album, which also reached number one on the Billboard 200 and earned him a Grammy nomination for the single, "Put On".
November 2009: Working on Thug Motivation 103
In November 2009, Jeezy began working on Thug Motivation 103.
July 2010: Release of "Jizzle"
In July 2010, the song "Jizzle", which became the subject of a later copyright lawsuit, was released.
May 17, 2011: "Ballin" Single Release
On May 17, 2011, Jeezy released "Ballin" featuring Lil Wayne as the first single from Thug Motivation 103.
July 2011: Album Release Date Announcement
In July 2011, Jeezy announced a September 20, 2011 release date for Thug Motivation 103, although it was later pushed back.
September 20, 2011: Thug Motivation 103 Release Date Pushback
On September 20, 2011, the Thug Motivation 103 album release was pushed back.
September 29, 2011: "F.A.M.E." Single Release
On September 29, 2011, Jeezy released the single "F.A.M.E." featuring T.I. from Thug Motivation 103.
December 20, 2011: Thug Motivation 103 Release Date Pushback
On December 20, 2011, the release of Thug Motivation 103 was pushed back again.
October 2012: "Get Right" Single Release
In October 2012, Jeezy released a new single called "Get Right" on ITunes and sent it to radio.
December 12, 2012: It's Tha World Mixtape Release
On December 12, 2012, Jeezy released the mixtape 'It's Tha World', hosted by DJ Drama.
August 13, 2013: Boss Yo Life Up Gang Mixtape Release
On August 13, 2013, Young Jeezy released a compilation mixtape titled Boss Yo Life Up Gang with CTE World artists, Doughboyz Cashout and YG.
September 17, 2013: "In My Head" Single Premiere
On September 17, 2013, Jeezy premiered the single "In My Head", produced by Childish Major.
2013: Upcoming New Album Plans
In 2013, Jeezy planned to release a new album.
May 30, 2014: "Me Ok" Single Release
On May 30, 2014, Jeezy released the first single "Me Ok" from his upcoming fifth studio album Seen It All: The Autobiography.
July 1, 2014: "Seen It All" Single Release
On July 1, 2014, Jeezy released the second single, "Seen It All", featuring Jay-Z.
August 31, 2015: Church in These Streets Announcement
On August 31, 2015, Jeezy announced that he would release a new project entitled Church in These Streets.
November 13, 2015: Church in These Streets Release
On November 13, 2015, Jeezy released Church in These Streets, which debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.
October 28, 2016: Trap or Die 3 Album Release
On October 28, 2016, Jeezy released his album Trap or Die 3, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
2016: Trap or Die 3 Album Release
In 2016, Jeezy released 'Trap or Die 3' which peaked atop the Billboard chart.
December 15, 2017: Pressure Album Release
On December 15, 2017, Jeezy released his eighth studio album Pressure, originally titled Snow Season.
August 23, 2019: TM104: The Legend of the Snowman Release
On August 23, 2019, Jeezy released his ninth album, TM104: The Legend of the Snowman.
November 20, 2020: The Recession 2 Album Release
On November 20, 2020, Jeezy released his tenth studio album, The Recession 2.
September 30, 2022: Mixtape Announcement
On September 30, 2022, Jeezy announced a mixtape to be released the following month.
October 21, 2022: Snofall Mixtape Release
On October 21, 2022, the mixtape, Snofall, hosted by Gangsta Grillz DJ Drama was released.
2023: Def Jam Contract Fulfilled
In 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.
