Jeezy, born Jay Wayne Jenkins, is an American rapper known for his contributions to trap music. Alongside T.I. and Gucci Mane, he popularized the genre among mainstream audiences. His career started in 2001, and he signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2005, releasing his debut album "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101" which reached number two on the Billboard 200. The album's success solidified his place in the music industry.
1973: "Getting it On" Copyright Registration
In 1973, "Getting it On", a song by Leroy Hutson of The Impressions, was registered with the United States Copyright Office.
September 28, 1977: Birth of Jay Wayne Jenkins
Jay Wayne Jenkins, later known as Jeezy, was born on September 28, 1977.
1995: Jeezy Attends Youth Challenge Program
In 1995, Jeezy spent time in the Youth Challenge Program at Fort Stewart, Georgia, due to narcotics possession.
1998: Launch of Corporate Thugz Entertainment
Jeezy laid the groundwork for his future success by launching his label imprint, CTE World, initially known as Corporate Thugz Entertainment, in 1998.
2001: Jeezy Embarks on His Music Career
In 2001, Jeezy began his music career, releasing two independent albums before signing with Def Jam Recordings.
2001: CTE World is Founded
Jeezy took a significant step in his career in 2001 by founding his own record label, CTE World.
2001: "Thuggin' Under the Influence" Release
Jeezy, then known as Lil J, released his debut independent album, "Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.)," in 2001, featuring collaborations with artists like Freddy J., Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon.
2003: "Come Shop wit Me" Release
In 2003, Jeezy released "Come Shop wit Me," a two-disc set showcasing a mix of new material and tracks from his previous release, further solidifying his presence in the music scene.
May 2004: Jeezy Catches the Attention of Def Jam
In May 2004, Jeezy's talent caught the eye of Shakir Stewart, then VP A&R at Def Jam, leading to a pivotal moment in his career.
2004: Jeezy Signs with Bad Boy Records
Jeezy's career took a significant turn in 2004 when he signed with Bad Boy Records, joining the hip-hop group Boyz n da Hood.
June 2005: Boyz n da Hood Album Release
Jeezy joined the group Boyz n da Hood, and their self-titled album, released in June 2005, achieved mainstream success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard 200.
July 26, 2005: "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101" Released
Jeezy released his major label debut album, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101," on July 26, 2005. The album was a commercial success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
2005: Jeezy's Rise and Departure from Boyz n da Hood
In 2005, Jeezy was featured on several popular hip-hop tracks and solidified his standing in the industry. He later departed from Boyz n da Hood to focus on his solo career.
2005: Jeezy's Breakthrough with "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101"
Jeezy released his major label debut album, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101," in 2005. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the Billboard 200.
December 12, 2006: Release of "The Inspiration"
On December 12, 2006, Jeezy released his highly anticipated second major label album, "The Inspiration." The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, further solidifying his place in the music industry.
2006: "Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration" Released
Jeezy released his second album, "Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration," in 2006, which continued his streak of chart-topping success.
March 2007: Jeezy in "Def Jam: Icon" and U.S.D.A Album Release
In March 2007, Jeezy made his mark in the gaming world, appearing as himself in the hip-hop fighting game "Def Jam: Icon." His group, U.S.D.A, also released their debut album, "Cold Summer," which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
December 17, 2007: Jeezy's "Toyz N Da Hood Drive"
Jeezy and CTE launched the "Toyz N Da Hood Drive" on December 17, 2007. This week-long charity event series aimed to give back to the community.
June 18, 2008: DUI Arrest in Atlanta
On June 18, 2008, Jeezy was arrested for DUI in Atlanta.
September 2, 2008: "The Recession" Released
On September 2, 2008, Jeezy released "The Recession," his third studio album. It marked his second consecutive number-one album on the Billboard 200.
2008: Jeezy's Political Endorsement Controversy
In 2008, Jeezy faced controversy surrounding his political stance, causing a stir among fans and the media. He clarified his position, affirming his support for Barack Obama.
2008: "The Recession" and Grammy Nomination
Jeezy's third album, "The Recession," was released in 2008. The album was another number one hit and earned him a Grammy Award nomination.
January 18, 2009: Jeezy and Jay-Z Perform at Obama's Inauguration Celebration
Jeezy and Jay-Z performed at a concert to celebrate President Obama's inauguration on January 18, 2009.
November 2009: Work Begins on Thug Motivation 103
In November 2009, Jeezy began working on his highly anticipated album, Thug Motivation 103.
2009: Annie Le Murder
In 2009, Yale student Annie Le was tragically murdered. This event was later referenced in a controversial lyric by Pusha T in Jeezy's song "Illin".
March 4, 2010: Controversial Lyrics Spark Outrage
Jeezy's song "Illin", released on March 4, 2010, sparked controversy due to a lyric by Pusha T, which many considered disrespectful towards the memory of murdered Yale student Annie Le.
March 2010: Jeezy Drops "Young" From Stage Name?
Rumors circulated in March 2010 that Jeezy had dropped "Young" from his stage name. While he denied the claims, the cover of his single "Lose My Mind" was released under the name "Jeezy."
July 2010: "Jizzle" Released
Jeezy's track "Jizzle" was released in July 2010, and later became the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit.
May 17, 2011: "Ballin" Released
Jeezy dropped "Ballin" featuring Lil Wayne on May 17, 2011, as the lead single from his album Thug Motivation 103.
July 2011: Jeezy Announces Thug Motivation 103 Release Date
Jeezy initially announced in July 2011 that his album, Thug Motivation 103, would be released on September 20, 2011.
September 20, 2011: Thug Motivation 103 Release Date (Postponed)
Initially, Jeezy announced a September 20, 2011 release date for his album Thug Motivation 103; however, it was later delayed.
September 29, 2011: "F.A.M.E." Released
On September 29, 2011, Jeezy released "F.A.M.E." featuring T.I., marking T.I.'s first musical appearance following his release from prison.
December 20, 2011: Thug Motivation 103 Finally Drops
After multiple delays, Jeezy's album Thug Motivation 103 was released on December 20, 2011, and quickly achieved Gold certification by the RIAA.
December 20, 2011: Thug Motivation 103 Release Date (Second Postponement)
Jeezy's album Thug Motivation 103 faced another setback and was pushed to December 20, 2011.
September 2012: Alleged Fight with Son
In September 2012, Jeezy was allegedly involved in a fight with his son, leading to his arrest in January 2014.
October 2012: New Single and Mixtape Announcement
In October 2012, Jeezy delighted fans with the release of his single "Get Right" and the announcement of a new mixtape planned for release by the end of the year.
December 12, 2012: It's Tha World Mixtape Released
Jeezy released his mixtape, It's Tha World, hosted by DJ Drama, on December 12, 2012.
2012: Grammy Nomination
Jeezy received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance for his song "I Do" in 2012.
April 16, 2013: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit Filed
Brian Smith filed a copyright infringement lawsuit on April 16, 2013, against Jeezy regarding his 2010 work "Jizzle."
August 13, 2013: Boss Yo Life Up Gang Released
On August 13, 2013, Jeezy, alongside CTE World artists Doughboyz Cashout and YG, released a compilation mixtape titled "Boss Yo Life Up Gang."
August 27, 2013: Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
On August 27, 2013, Leroy Hutson, former lead singer of The Impressions, filed a lawsuit against Young Jeezy alleging that Jeezy's song "Time" infringed on the copyright of Hutson's 1973 song "Getting it On".
September 17, 2013: "In My Head" Premieres, New Album Details Revealed
Jeezy premiered "In My Head," the first single from his collaborative mixtape "Its Tha World 2," on September 17, 2013, and shared plans for his next album.
2013: New Album on the Horizon
Jeezy confirmed in 2013 that he was working on a new album, set to release sometime during the year.
January 4, 2014: Arrest for Battery and Terrorist Threats
On January 4, 2014, Jeezy was arrested on charges of battery, false imprisonment, and terrorist threats stemming from an alleged fight with his son in September 2012.
May 30, 2014: "Me Ok" Released
Jeezy released "Me Ok," the first single from his fifth studio album, Seen It All: The Autobiography, on May 30, 2014.
July 1, 2014: "Seen It All" Released
Jeezy's second single, "Seen It All," featuring Jay-Z, was released on July 1, 2014, in anticipation of his upcoming album.
August 24, 2014: Arrest for Possession of an Illegal Assault Rifle
On August 24, 2014, Jeezy was arrested in Irvine, California, on charges of possession of an illegal assault rifle. The arrest occurred before his scheduled performance on the Under The Influence Tour. Police found the rifle on his tour bus during a raid following a shooting at a previous tour stop.
August 26, 2014: Not Guilty Plea and Release on Bail
On August 26, 2014, two days after his arrest for possession of an illegal assault rifle, Jeezy and five associates entered not guilty pleas. They were subsequently released on bail. It was reported that the registered owner of the rifle was the tour security chief, who was hospitalized at the time.
August 31, 2015: Church in These Streets Announced
On August 31, 2015, Jeezy announced his new project, Church in These Streets, which was later released on November 13, 2015.
November 13, 2015: Church in These Streets Released
Jeezy's project, Church in These Streets, was released on November 13, 2015, and debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
October 28, 2016: Trap or Die 3 Released
On October 28, 2016, Jeezy released Trap or Die 3, marking his third album to reach the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
2016: "Trap or Die 3" Tops the Charts
In 2016, Jeezy released his ninth studio album, "Trap or Die 3," which marked his return to the top of the Billboard 200 chart.
December 15, 2017: Pressure Released
Jeezy's eighth studio album, Pressure, initially titled Snow Season, was released on December 15, 2017.
August 23, 2019: TM104: The Legend of the Snowman Released
Jeezy released what was intended to be his final album, TM104: The Legend of the Snowman, on August 23, 2019, as he planned to pursue a career in acting.
November 20, 2020: The Recession 2 Released, Verzuz Battle, and Podcast Launch
Jeezy had a busy November 20, 2020, with the release of his tenth studio album, The Recession 2, a Verzuz battle against rival Gucci Mane, and the announcement of his new podcast, The (Re)Session Podcast.
2021: Jeezy Marries Jeannie Mai
In 2021, Jeezy married television personality Jeannie Mai.
January 11, 2022: Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Welcome Daughter
On January 11, 2022, Jeezy and Jeannie Mai announced the birth of their daughter, their first child together. Jeezy also has three children from previous relationships.
September 30, 2022: New Mixtape Announced
On September 30, 2022, Jeezy announced the upcoming release of a mixtape intended to fulfill his contract with Def Jam Recordings.
October 21, 2022: Snofall Released
Jeezy released the mixtape Snofall, hosted by DJ Drama, on October 21, 2022, as part of his Def Jam Recordings contract.
September 14, 2023: Jeezy Files for Divorce
Citing an "irretrievably broken" marriage, Jeezy filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai on September 14, 2023, in Georgia's Superior Court of Fulton County. He is seeking joint custody of their daughter.
2023: Def Jam Contract Fulfilled, I Might Forgive, But I Don't Forget Released
Jeezy announced on Halloween 2023 that he had fulfilled his contract with Def Jam Recordings and revealed his double album, I Might Forgive, But I Don't Forget, which was released on November 3.