The Evolution of Jeezy

A toast to the CTE founder's 37th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Jeezy! - When Jeezy says he’s Seen It All, it’s kind of hard not to agree with him. Before he was a key member of Def Jam’s empire and topping the Billboard charts, he was building his own brand as an independent businessman on the rise. With a handful of indie releases, five major studio albums, a record label and ties to a tequila brand among many accolades, Jizzle has a lot to be thankful for on his 37th birthday, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. In honor of his born-day keep clicking to see how Jeezy has evolved over the years. — Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)
From the Bottom of the Map - Born in North Carolina on Sept. 28, 1977, Jay Wayne Jenkins better known by his stage name, Young Jeezy moved to Atlanta when he was still baby Jeezy. Due to a difficult upbringing, he fell into the street life and even did a stint in boot camp for narcotics possession. But he didn’t let his street smarts go to waste, he was determined to become a successful businessman.(Photo: Jason Nocito/Corbis)
The Streets to the Studio - He got his first taste of the rap game with the 2001 release of Thuggin Under the Influence (T.U.I.), under the name Lil J. T.U.I. featured appearances by Lil Jon, who also produced many of the tracks.(Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)A Corporate Thug - By 2003, Jizzle was gaining fame on the ATL underground hip hop scene. He formed his Corporate Thugz Entertainment company and released his indie debut, Come Shop Wit’ Me, a tone-setting double disc featuring appearances from Bone Crusher and Pastor Troy. The hood chronicle sold more than 50,000 copies.(Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images)

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Happy Birthday, Jeezy! - When Jeezy says he’s Seen It All, it’s kind of hard not to agree with him. Before he was a key member of Def Jam’s empire and topping the Billboard charts, he was building his own brand as an independent businessman on the rise. With a handful of indie releases, five major studio albums, a record label and ties to a tequila brand among many accolades, Jizzle has a lot to be thankful for on his 37th birthday, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. In honor of his born-day keep clicking to see how Jeezy has evolved over the years. — Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photo: Ouzounova/Splash News)

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