Young Jeezy

Young Jeezy (born Jay Jenkins, 12.10.1977)

Young Jeezy is an American rapper.

Young Jeezy: Childhood

Young Jeezy, or Jay Jenkins as he was known then, was born in Columbia, South Carolina. His parents separated when he was still young, after the family had moved to Macon, Georgia.

He was frequently sent to stay with his grandparents, as well as his aunts and uncles. As a result, he became friendly with his older cousins, who were drug dealers. When they started sharing their profits with him, Jenkins became attracted to the lifestyle of the drug dealer. He started dealing drugs at the age of 12 and in 1994 he was arrested with possession of crack cocaine. He was sent to boot camp and later moved to Atlanta's 4th Ward.

Young Jeezy: Music Career

Young Jeezy's debut independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence, in 2001. At that time, he was recording under the name Lil J. The rappers Lil Jon, Fidank and Kinky B all collaborated on the album.

In 2003, he released Come Shop Wit' Me, which was a two-CD set. The album sold over 50,000 copies worldwide.

The next year, Young Jeezy signed to Bad Boy Records, as well as joining the group Boyz n da Hood. The band's self-titled debut was released in 2005, peaking at number five in the Billboard chart. Young Jeezy's debut solo album for Bad Boy Records was also released in 2005. The album was entitled Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101. It sold over 172,000 copies in its first week and featured guest slots from T.I, Trick Daddy, Mannie Fresh and Akon amongst others. In 2006, Young Jeezy appeared on 'Say I' by Christina Milian.

The second album on Bad Boy Records by Young Jeezy was entitled 'The Inspiration'. This album features performances by Three 6 Mafia, R Kelly, Keyshia Cole and Slick Pulla. The debut single from the album, 'I Luv It' hit number 14 of the Billboard Hot 100. He also released 'Bury Me A G' and 'Go Getta'.

In 2007, Young Jeezy collaborated with Slick Pulla and Blood Raw, under the name USDA. USDA released an album entitled Cold Summer. He also collaborated with Usher on the song 'Love In This Club'.

In December 2007, Young Jeezy's company Corporate Thugz Entertainment organized a toy giveaway to children in Macon and Atlanta, where he used to live.

Young Jeezy: Personal Life

In 2006, Young Jeezy was arrested following a shooting in Miami Beach. He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm but no sentence was given, due to a lack of evidence.

Following Hurricane Katrina, Young Jeezy allowed victims of the disaster to stay at his house.

In September 2007, Young Jeezy crashed his Lamborghini into a taxi in Atlanta.

In June 2008, Young Jeezy was arrested in Atlanta for driving under the influence, speeding, reckless driving, no proof of insurance and driving with an open container of alcohol (which he blamed on his passenger). He was released on bail.