Jay Wayne Jenkins, known professionally as Jeezy and formerly as Young Jeezy, is an American rapper born on September 28, 1977. Credited alongside fellow Georgia-based artists T.I. and Gucci Mane with bringing trap music to mainstream audiences, he has become one of the most influential figures in Southern hip hop. His deep, commanding delivery and vivid street narratives helped define the sound of the genre throughout the 2000s and beyond.

Jenkins began his music career in 2001, releasing two independent albums before signing with Def Jam Recordings. His major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, arrived in 2005 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 172,000 copies in its first week and eventually earning double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The album's lead single, "Soul Survivor," featuring Akon, peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains his highest-charting song to date.

He continued his commercial run with Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration in 2006 and The Recession in 2008, both of which topped the Billboard 200. The latter produced the single "Put On," featuring Kanye West, which earned a Grammy Award nomination. Over the following years, he released several more albums, and his ninth studio effort, Trap or Die 3, returned him to the top of the chart in 2016. Among his other platinum-certified singles are "I Luv It," "Go Getta" featuring R. Kelly, "My President" featuring Nas, "Lose My Mind" featuring Plies, and "Leave You Alone" featuring Ne-Yo.

Beyond his solo work, Jenkins became a sought-after guest artist on numerous R&B tracks. He appeared on "Say I" by Christina Milian, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Hard" by Rihanna, and "Love in This Club" by Usher, the last of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2008. In addition to his solo career, he serves as the de facto leader of the Southern hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America, known as U.S.D.A., and is a former member of the Bad Boy Records group Boyz n da Hood.

Jenkins also built a reputation as a label executive. He founded CTE World in 2001, and the imprint has signed artists including YG and Freddie Gibbs. Through his music, business ventures, and mentorship of younger artists, Jeezy remains a defining voice in trap music and a lasting presence in American hip hop.