Last month we focused on Jeezy's first three albums to curate a Throwback Thursday of the trap star's better-known, early work. Today, we're going to dig a little deeper, going for features, lesser-known cuts, and rarities that he recorded during the course of 2000-2010.
The Atlanta superstar has his eighth album due out on November 13, and while we're anticipating a stellar release, we can't forget all the gems he recorded that got him to this point. Even back when he was known as Lil J, Jeezy was making quality music for the streets. Not a whole lot has changed in that regard, but it's fun to look back every now and again to take a look at some overlooked material. Here are Jeezy's deep cuts.
"Put Da Whip On It"
Before he was Thug Motivatin', he was Thuggin' Under the Influence. Jeezy's debut studio full-length was released under the name Lil J in 2001, and started him on the road to where he is today.
"Take It to the Floor" featuring Bone Crusher
A flute-driven, synth-laced dance beat isn't exactly what you would expect from Jeezy, but he had yet to find his signature sound by the time his second LP, Come Shop Wit Me, was released. This one, featuring Bone Crusher, is a deep cut that doesn't sound like anything you're used to hearing the Atlanta artist release.
"Trap or Die" featuring Bun B
Everything off Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 is pretty well-known, but this one never quite got the shine it deserved. With Bun B in tow, the two deliver a bouncy trap anthem that fits right at home with the classic release.
Boyz N Da Hood - "Gangstas" featuring Eazy-E
The month before Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was released, Jeezy's group Boyz N Da Hood released their debut, self-titled album. With the voice of Eazy-E to help elevate them, Jeezy, Gorilla Zoe, Jody Breeze and the rest of the crew went in on this one.
"Dear Summer" Freestyle
Over a Jay Z beat, Jeezy delivers some quality bars over a boom-bap style production.
"I'm in my own world, way up in the clouds / Gangsta paradise - no haters allowed"
"National Anthem"
Jeezy got real patriotic around the time that Obama became president, including the hit "My President Is Black" and then this "National Anthem."
Fabolous - "Do Da Damn Thing" featuring Young Jeezy
A couple of the 2000's biggest stars collaborated and somehow it didn't turn into a mega-hit. It happens, but luckily YouTube preserves funky classics like this one forever.
"J.E.E.Z.Y."
Off The Inspiration, this one isn't very rare at all, but like "Trap Or Die," it maybe didn't get the respect it deserved alongside massive cuts like "I Luv It" and "Go Getta." The beat is straight evil, and Jeezy goes in hard on it.
"Fruitopia, smoke blueberry
Mix it with the purp, we call it cranberry
The Bin Laden clips yeah they came with the choppers
Got a slick mouth I hope you came with a doctor
The boy stacks cheese like it came with the whopper
Stay fly like I came in a chopper"
"Porsche Music"
Despite the beef, Jeezy sounds pretty great over a jazzy Rick Ross beat. He's doing math, laying the hook, and making the listener feel like their in a Rolls Royce with this one. It's straight luxurious as he spits bars over lush saxophone and the hip hop tempo.
"Illin" featuring Clipse
Very few rappers are as good at the coke rap thing as the three on this track. Pusha T, Malice, and Jeezy form like Voltron on "Illin," off the 2010 mixtape Trap or Die Part 2: By Any Means Necessary.
