Curren$y
Background information
Birth name	Shante Scott Franklin
Also known as	Spitta
Born	(1981-04-04) April 4, 1981 (age 31)
Origin	New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper
Years active	2000–Present
Labels	Jet Life Recordings, Warner Bros. Records
Associated acts	Wiz Khalifa, The Alchemist, Ski Beatz, Dom Kennedy, Pharrell, Styles P, Raekwon, Prodigy, Fiend, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, Jay Electronica
Website	www.currensyspitta.com

Shante Scott Franklin, April 4, 1981, better known by his stage name Curren$y is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is from the 3rd Ward in New Orleans.

Music career[link]

Career beginnings[link]

In 2002, Curren$y signed to Master P's No Limit Records and was a member of the 504 Boyz. The Song "Get Back" by 504 Boyz made it to the Malibu's Most Wanted soundtrack. Curren$y appeared on 5 songs in Master P's Good Side, Bad Side album, released in 2004.^{[citation needed]} Even though he was signed with No limit he represented C-Murders TRU label. Curren$y has several songs with incarcerated friend C-Murder, and was featured on the late Soulja Slim's album, Years Later.

Later on in 2004, Curren$y signed with Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. He featured in Lil Wayne's Dedication 1,Dedication 2,Suffix and several unreleased songs while with Young Money. He released a mixtape entitled 'Welcome Back,' in 2004. He was featured in Lil Wayne's "Grown man" on the Carter 2 and on the "Grown man remix" with Boo. He remained in Young Money until late 2007. While still at Young Money, Curren$y created Fly Society with skateboarder Terry Kennedy, first as a clothing company, then expanding to release music. He released the song, "Where da Cash At" as the lead single for his Young Money debut, Music To Fly To, in 2006, but had to deal with several push-backs and lack of promotion. Also in 2006, he released G Series with Young Money members, Mack Maine and Lil Wayne. In 2007, another mixtape was released entitled "Life at 30,000 Feet". Curren$y decided to leave the label and venture off to do business on his own.

For several months throughout 2008, Curren$y released a series of mixtapes. Though he then had the co-sign of one of the top hip hop magazines, Curren$y was still overlooked by major labels. Curren$y reached a milestone in his rapping career with appearances on MTV for his music video "Address", and for a track titled "Breakfast", which was produced by Mos Def. After he took on the music industry by himself, Curren$y recently gained significant recognition via fellow musician Wiz Khalifa, whom he released the mixtape "How Fly" in collaboration with in 2009. His fan base continues to expand due to his original, laid-back flow which is accompanied by his soothing, spacey beats.

[edit] 2009: This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files

Curren$y signed with Amalgam Digital to release his debut album, This Ain't No Mixtape, in 2009.^[1] This album was entirely produced by Monsta Beatz. Curren$y also released his second album, Jet Files, through Amalgam Digital in 2009.^[2] Amalgam Digital finally released physical copies of This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files on May 31, 2010.

[edit] 2010: Pilot Talk and Pilot Talk II

Curren$y's third album, Pilot Talk, was released on July 13, 2010. The album featured guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Big K.R.I.T. and Mos Def, amongst others, with most of the songs produced by Ski Beatz. Prior to the album's release, there was news of Pilot Talk being released under a newly relaunched Roc-A-Fella Records.^[3] However, Curren$y stated in interviews with both XXL and Complex Magazine that the album would be released under Damon Dash's DD172 record label division, BluRoc Records^[4][4][5][6] and distributed through Def Jam Recordings. He was signed to the label after being recommended by Dame Dash's nephew; Dame Dash asked who was hot at the time, because he was about to go back into the music industry. Curren$y made numerous appearances on labelmate Ski Beatz' debut studio album, 24 Hour Karate School, which was released on September 21, 2010. Curren$y's fourth album, Pilot Talk II, was released on November 22, 2010,^[7] which featured Fiend and Raekwon, among others, with many of the songs produced by Ski Beatz.^[8] 2010 also saw the release of mixtape Smokee Robinson with DJ Don Cannon.

[edit] 2011: Weekend at Burnie's

On February 1, 2011, it was announced that Curren$y signed a label deal with Warner Bros. Records for his imprint, Jet Life Recordings.^[9] Covert Coup was his first project on his Jet Life Recordings imprint under Warner Bros. Released for free via Curren$y's official website on April 20, the album contains ten songs completely produced by The Alchemist.^[10] He released his sixth album, Weekend at Burnie's on June 28, 2011, featuring his Jet-Life anthem "#JetsGo", which was produced by Rahki. The rest of the album was produced by frequent collaborator Monsta Beatz.^[11] Mixtape Verde Terrace was well-received by Curren$y's fanbase and gained 49,696 downloads in part of 204,427 views within 24 hours of its release. In 2011, Curren$y and his Jet Life crew released the album Jet World Order, under Jets International / iHipHop. Every track on this album features Young Roddy and Trademark da Skydiver. Frequent collaborators of Curren$y are also featured on this album, including Smoke DZA, The Cool Kids' Mikey Rocks, Cornerboy P, Fiend, Street Wiz, and Nesby Phips. Curren$y himself appears on 3 tracks.

[edit] 2012-present: Muscle Car Chronicles and The Stoned Immaculate

On November 10, 2011, Curren$y announced through Twitter the release of a new album. Muscle Car Chronicles, a 2-Disc set, was released on February 14, 2012. Curren$y also plans on releasing Pilot Talk III in 2012, and mentioned the possibility of it being a free album. An album entirely produced by Chuck Inglish called Puff Daddy is set to be released this year, as well as another titled The Stoned Immaculate. Curren$y and The Alchemist also intended on releasing the sequel to Covert Coup, Re-conversionalize in April 2012, the project has not yet been released. In February 2012, Curren$y released the EP Here..., and a few days later released another EP #The1st28 with Styles P.

On April 21, 2012 the track listing for "The Stoned Immaculate" was released. ^[12]

Jet Life Recordings[link]

On February 1, 2011, Curren$y signed a label deal with Warner Bros. Records for his imprint Jet Life Recordings.^[13]

Current artists[link]

• Currensy (CEO)
• Trademark The Skydiver
• Young Roddy
• Street Wiz
• Smoke DZA
• Sir Michael Rocks (a.k.a. Mikey Rocks of The Cool Kids)
• Nesby Phips
• DeeLow
• Corner Boy P
• Fiend

Producers[link]

• Monsta Beatz
• Fiend

Legal Issues[link]

In March 2012, news surfaced of legal action being taken against Damon Dash by Curren$y. In the lawsuit, the rapper claimed that he never legally signed to Dash's DD172 label, and the record executive released the pair of albums (Pilot Talk I and II) as well as Muscle Car Chronicles without authorization. Curren$y is demanding that Dash immediately stop releasing his music for profit, and is seeking $1.5 million in damages. A ruling has yet to be decided in the case.^[14]

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• Pilot Talk (2010)
• Pilot Talk II (2010)
• Weekend at Burnie's (2011)
• Muscle Car Chronicles (2012)
• The Stoned Immaculate (2012)

Independent albums

• This Ain't No Mixtape (2009)
• Jet Files (2009)

Collaboration albums

• Jet World Order (with Jet Life Recordings)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Curren$y on Myspace
• Curren$y at Twitter
• Curren$y at Facebook
• Curren$y at MTV
• Curren$y at Allmusic

Slim Thug
Slim Thug at the KDHT studio in 2005.
Background information
Birth name	Stayve Jerome Thomas
Born	(1980-09-08) September 8, 1980 (age 31) Houston, Texas
Genres	Hip hop Gangsta rap
Years active	1998–present
Labels	Swishahouse, Boss Hogg Outlawz, Interscope, E1
Associated acts	Boss Hogg Outlawz, Bun B, Chalie Boy, Chamillionaire, Z-Ro, Mike Jones, T.I.
Website	www.bosshoggoutlawz.com

Stayve Jerome Thomas (born September 8, 1980),^[1] better known as Slim Thug, Boss Hogg or Thug Boss, is an American rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper Mike Jones, "Still Tippin'".

Early life[link]

Slim Thug grew up in Houston's Northside neighborhood of Homestead/Scenic Woods. Slim says that his rap name come from the fact that as a teenager, he was very tall and skinny before he filled out.^{[citation needed]} He stands 6'6" tall. The Thug part comes from people's assumptions of him due to his fresh braids and sunglasses.^{[citation needed]} At age 17, he performed freestyle raps at local high school parties. He began his rap career with Swishahouse in the late 1990s. After realizing how much money he could make distributing his own mixtapes, he parted ways with Swishahouse on good terms and formed his own independent label, Boss Hogg Outlawz.^[2] Thomas bought two record stores and worked in real estate.^[1]

Music career[link]

Already Platinum (2005–2008)[link]

Slim Thug's debut album with Star Trak Entertainment & Interscope Records, Already Platinum, was released in July 2005 after many delays.^[1] It premiered on #2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart and sold 130,000 copies in its first week.^[3] Singles included "3 Kings" (featuring T.I. and Bun B), and "I Ain't Heard of That" (featuring Pharrell and Bun B). Slim Thug appeared on Still Tippin' with Mike Jones and Paul Wall, Beyoncé Knowles's #1 single "Check on It" and Gwen Stefani's "Luxurious". With the Boss Hogg Outlawz, Slim Thug released three albums, Boyz N Blue (2004), Serve & Collect (2007) and Back by Blockular Demand: Serve & Collect II (2008). He left Star Trak & Interscope Records in 2008.^[4]

Boss of All Bosses (2009)[link]

Slim Thug's second solo album Boss of All Bosses was released in 2009. Although not as successful as his debut album Boss of All Bosses debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200 with 32,000 copies sold in the first week released. It included the single "I Run".

Tha Thug Show (2010–present)[link]

Slim Thug's third studio album Tha Thug Show. His first single was "Gangsta" which featured Z-Ro. His second single featured rapper/singer B.o.B entitled "So High". It was released November 30, 2010.

Other Ventures[link]

Acting career[link]

In October 2009 he appeared on The Daily Show, in a parody discussing the effects of the recession upon wealthy rappers such as himself.^[5] The skit was filmed in part at The Lion's Den Recordings in Houston, Texas.

Personal life[link]

Slim Thug dated singer LeToya Luckett until 2006.^[6][7] He claimed the two broke up as a result of his cheating and having a child with another woman.^[8]

According to MTV News, Lupe Fiasco's video for "Hip Hop Saved My Life" was based on Slim Thug's life story. "It is based on Slim Thug," Fiasco revealed.^[9] On June 7, 2010, Vibe released controversial statements Slim Thug had made regarding treatment of black men by black and white women saying "it’s hard to find [a successful black man] so Black women have to bow down and let it be known that they gotta start working hard; they gotta start cooking and being down for they man more. ...White women treat they man like a king."^[10]

The article stirred many varied reactions from bloggers and online commentators.^[7][11][12] Cultural critic and Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill,^[13] singers Aubrey O'Day, D. Woods,^[14] and Talib Kweli^[15] have all responded publicly to his comments.

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• 2005: Already Platinum
• 2009: Boss of All Bosses
• 2010: Tha Thug Show
• 2012: Hogg Life

Awards and Nominations[link]

MTV Video Music Awards

References[link]

External links[link]

• Slim Thug on Myspace
• Slim Thug at the Internet Movie Database
• Slim Thug on Twitter

French Montana (born November 9, 1984) is an American rapper and singer of Moroccan^[2][3] and Somali^[2][4] descent. He is the founder and CEO of Cocaine City Records, and in 2012, signed a joint venture recording deal with Maybach Music Group and Bad Boy Records. He is known for his frequent collaborations with Max B, and more recently with Rick Ross and with his group Coke Boys.

Early life[link]

French Montana was born Karim Kharbouch in 1984 in Rabat, Morocco,^[1][4] where he lived for the first 13 years of his life. Growing up in Rabat, he was consumed by playing soccer and rapping, describing them as his two favorite childhood hobbies.^[5] In 1996, French emigrated with his parents and two younger brothers to the Bronx in New York City.^[6] His father left the family when French was 17, and so he began to provide for his mother and younger brothers.

Music career[link]

Cocaine City[link]

In 2002, along with his friend Camz he created a series of street-flavoured DVD documentaries called 'Cocaine City' after drawing inspiration from the 'Smack' DVD series. Under the name Young French he used the DVDs as a means of showcasing his talent as an underground artist. To gain a broader fan base, French incorporated interviews with major artists, as well as some up and comers. The first edition in the series included Pee Wee Kirkland and Remy Ma alongside French himself among others. What started out as simply a medium for developing an audience quickly grew into one of the top-selling "street DVDs".^[3][6][7] The series ran for 8 years between 2002 and 2010, with a total of 14 editions being released.^[8]

2009-2010[link]

In 2009, French signed a deal with Akon's Konvict Muzik record label, but later left the label in 2011 due to album delays.^[9] Montana was subsequently reportedly close to signing a deal with Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group (MMG).^[10] There were also reports that he would join Kanye West's GOOD Music label.^[11]

Bad Boy Records/ Maybach Music Group[link]

In December 2011, Montana signed a record deal with P. Diddy's Bad Boy Records^[12] and Interscope Records.^[13] According to French, of the many major labels that were courting him, Maybach Music Group would have been his second choice had he not signed with Bad Boy.^[14] However on January 2, 2012 while in the studio with Rick Ross Montana announced that he had signed a joint venture deal with Bad Boy Records and Maybach Music Group with Rick Ross and Diddy set to executive produce his debut album.^[15] It was announced that his debut album Excuse My French would be released July 17, 2012. French was featured on XXL's Freshman Class of 2012 alongside Future, Kid Ink, Danny Brown, Macklemore, Don Trip, Hopsin, Iggy Azalea, Roscoe Dash and labelmate Machine Gun Kelly (rapper).^[16][17] However, he later revealed to Sway Calloway on RapFix Live that he almost turned down the cover opportunity, feeling he "deserved it two years ago" and that he had surpassed the current crop of rap rookies.^[18][7]

Influences[link]

According to French, the rappers Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, The Notorious B.I.G. and Wu-Tang Clan were among the hip hop artists that he listened to while growing up. He also considers himself a general music lover.^[19]

Personal life[link]

Between 2003 and 2004, French was shot in the head as he was exiting a recording studio in New York. He was rushed to the hospital after the incident and survived. Describing the shooting as a possible assassination attempt, the artist was subsequently involved in a murder trial in which he was eventually found not guilty. Rumors began to swirl that he had received settlement money from the case, which he then used to start his rap career. However, French later dismissed these claims as false in an interview.^[20]

Religion[link]

French Montana is Sunni Muslim, having been raised in Morocco under the Maliki madhab, or school of thought. In an interview for Vlad TV which took place on the first day of the Islamic holy month Ramadan, French revealed that he participates in fasting during the month.^[21]

Discography[link]

Studio albums[link]

• Excuse My French (July 17, 2012)

Mixtapes[link]

• French Revolution Vol. 1 (Hosted by Cutmaster C) (2007)^[22]
• Live From Africa (Hosted by Cocaine City) (2008)^[23]
• Coke Wave (with Max B; Hosted by DJ Whoo Kid) (2008)^[24]
• Coke Wave 2 (with Max B; Hosted by Evil Empire) (2009)^[25]
• The Laundry Man (Hosted by Evil Empire & Big Mike) (2009)^[26]
• Mac Wit Da Cheese (Hosted by Big Mike) (2009)^[27]
• The Laundry Man 2 (Hosted by Evil Empire) (2009)^[28]
• Cocaine Konvicts: Gangsta Grillz (Hosted by DJ Drama) (2009)^[29]
• Mac & Cheese 2 (Hosted by Evil Empire, Self & Big Mike) (2010)^[30]
• Coke Boys (with Coke Boys; Hosted by DJ Lust, DJ Drama & DJ Diggz) (2010)^[31]
• Mister 16 (Casino Life) (Hosted by DJ Holiday) (2011)^[32]
• Coke Boys 2 (with Coke Boys) (Hosted by Evil Empire) (2011)^[33]
• Coke Boys Run NY (with Chinx Drugz; Hosted by ItsBizkit, Trapemasters Inc & Evil Empire) (2011)^[34]
• Lock Out (with Waka Flocka Flame; Presented by DJ Drama & DJ Green Lantern) (2011)^[35]
• Cocaine Mafia (with Juicy J and Project Pat; Hosted by Evil Empire) (2011)^[36]
• Coke Boys 3 (2012)^[37]
• Mac & Cheese 3 (Hosted by Evil Empire, Self & Big Mike) (TBA)

Other mixtapes

• Cocaine & Caviar (2010)
• Cocaine & Caviar 2 (2011)

Album appearances[link]

Singles[link]

As featured performer

Videography[link]

2008

• "Why So Serious"
• "Do It Right"
• "Smoking"
• "We Run New York"
• "Why So Serious"

2009

• "Im So Special"
• "New York Minute"
• "Playing In The Wind"
• "Henny & My 44"
• "Lay Down"
• "Stick up Boys"

2010

• "Them Girls"
• "Go Hard"
• "Whatcha Know About It"
• "Im On It"
• "Heartache & Pain"

2011

• "Tryna Breathe"
• "Choppa Choppa Down"
• "Choppa Choppa Down (Remix)"
• "Shot Caller"
• "We Mobb"
• "Stay Schemin'"

2012

• "Weed & Drinks"
• "Everything's a Go"

References[link]

External links[link]

• French Montana - Breakthrough Artist 2009/2010
• French Montana - Last.fm
• XXL magazine - French Montana
• CHAMP Magazine
• [3]
• [4]
• [5]
• [6]

Young Jeezy
Young Jeezy in 2006
Background information
Birth name	Jay Wayne Jenkins
Also known as	Lil J
Born	(1977-10-12) October 12, 1977 (age 34) Columbia, South Carolina[1]
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, songwriter
Years active	2001–present
Labels	CTE World/Def Jam, Def Jam South
Associated acts	USDA, Akon
Website	http://youngjeezy.defjam.com

Jay Wayne Jenkins (born October 12, 1977),^[1] better known by his stage name Young Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America (USDA) and a former member of BMF (Black Mafia Family). He began his career in 2001 under an independent label and joined Boyz 'N Da Hood in 2005, the same year his solo major label debut Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 was released. Its single "Soul Survivor", which featured Akon, became a top-ten hit in the US.

The Inspiration followed in 2006, and The Recession followed in 2008; both albums yielded chart-topping singles. Jeezy has also appeared on numerous other rap and R&B singles such as "Say I" by Christina Milian, "I'm So Paid" by Akon, "Hard" by Rihanna, and "Love in This Club" by Usher, the latter being a number one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2008.

Early life[link]

Jay Wayne Jenkins was born in Columbia, South Carolina^[1] and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia when he was a toddler.^[2][3] Because his parents were separated, custody of him transferred between family members frequently. In an interview with XXL magazine, he described his childhood as "empty". In 1994, he spent nine months in YCA (Youth Challenge Academy), a boot camp in Fort Stewart, Georgia, for narcotics possession.^[4]

Music career[link]

Independent debut[link]

Jeezy released his first independent album, Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.), in 2001 under the name Lil J.^[5] It featured artists such as Freddy J.,Kinky B, Fidank, and Lil Jon, who also produced some of the tracks. In 2003, Jeezy released (also independently) Come Shop wit Me, a two CD set featuring completely new tracks with some songs from T.U.I. Jeezy signed with Bad Boy Records in 2004 and joined the group Boyz n da Hood, whose self-titled album was released in June 2005 and peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 albums charts.

[edit] Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 (2005)

In May 2004, Jazze Pha's manager Henry 'Noonie' Lee showed Young Jeezy's demo to his friend Shakir Stewart, Vice President Artist and Repertoire (VP A&R) at Def Jam.^[6] Stewart "fell in love with it [the demo] the first time [he] heard it" and took it to L.A. Reid.^[6] Reid recognised the talent and gave Stewart the green light to sign him.^[6] As the "hottest thing on the street" at the time, various labels - including Warner and Interscope – were after his signature. However, Jeezy decided he wanted to be in business with Stewart and Reid. As a result, signed with Def Jam Records.^[6]

Jeezy's major label debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, was released on July 26, 2005. He debuted at #2, selling 172,000 copies in its first week.^[7] It spawned several hit singles such as "Soul Survivor" featuring Akon. It reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot Rap Tracks charts. "And Then What" featuring Mannie Fresh, which reached #67 on the Hot 100 and #13 on the Hot Rap Tracks. "My Hood", #19 on the Rap chart. In an interview with HitQuarters, A&R Shakir Stewart said that Jeezy had recorded over 60 songs for the album.^[6]

Jeezy partially wrote and performed on Gucci Mane's song, "Icy". Supposedly, Jeezy was never paid properly for his services. Those in Gucci Mane's camp have suggested that gang members from the Mechanicsville area attacked Gucci Mane to defend Jeezy's honor.^[8] Jeezy put out a track called "Stay Strapped" dissing Gucci Mane to the beat of "T.I.'s" song "A.S.A.P." Jeezy responded to Gucci Mane's, while rapping "even his own momma know, Radric Davis a bitch". In a recent Cutmaster C mixtape, The Hood News Page 3: Jay-Z Boycotts Cristal, Gucci disses Jeezy along with Jay Z in his track, "745". Jeezy addresses Gucci back on the same mixtape. While on the track "Break It Down", featuring Cmillz. On "Streets On Lock", from The Inspiration, Jeezy addressed Gucci Mane again, saying "What type of real nigga name himself after a bag?/Nigga you's a hoe, a Louis Vuitton fag". Towards the end of 2009, DJ Drama brought Young Jeezy to the radio station and called Gucci Mane to settle the beef once and for all. The two stopped feuding but throughout early 2010, the crews of Jeezy & Gucci (CTE & Brick Squad) have been in and out altercations with each other despite the fact Jeezy & Gucci have nothing to do with that. In 2011, Jeezy plans to release a new single featuring DJ Spluge and the rest of the Gangster Brigade.

In interviews and on several records, Jeezy has affirmed his resistance to commercialism in his music.^[9] Maintaining his street credibility, according to Jeezy, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist.^[4] In 2005, Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Mane's "Icy"^[10] and Boyz n da Hood's "Dem Boyz". Due to having a successful solo career, he left the group. From time to time he still keeps in contact with a few of the members, but in early 2010 Jeezy & Jody Breeze (who is still a member of Boyz N Da Hood) began to diss each other which started a new beef between the two.

[edit] The Inspiration, U.S.D.A. (2006–2007)

In 2006, he was featured in Christina Milian's single "Say I". Jeezy's second major label album was The Inspiration, released in 2006. The album's first single "I Luv It" peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Bury Me A G" and "Go Getta" featuring R. Kelly, and "Dreamin’" featuring Keyshia Cole followed.

He also portrayed himself in the hip-hop fighting themed game Def Jam: Icon. In 2007, Jeezy released Cold Summer, an album by rap group USDA which consists of Jeezy, Blood Raw, Slick Pulla, 2Eleven and Boo Rossini.^{[citation needed]}

Jeezy presented a week-long toy drive and charity event series with his CTE family with the first annual Toyz n da Hood toy drive. The series presented 1,000 toys for 1,000 kids at various locations in Macon and Atlanta, which began on December 17, 2007, with the CTE Christmas Kickoff from 10 pm to 5 am at Club Miami. The toy giveaway took place in the Unionville neighborhood of Macon and at the Old Fourth Ward Community in Atlanta.^[11]

[edit] The Recession (2008)

His third album, The Recession, was released in 2008. "Put On" featuring Kanye West was the lead single, which also led to a Grammy Nomination for Best Rap performance by a duo, but it came short. Put On was followed by "Vacation", "Crazy World", "My President" with Nas, and "Who Dat" to complete the Recession's singles. Jeezy appeared on the R&B singles "Love in This Club" by Usher and "I'm So Paid" by Akon (also with Lil Wayne). "Love in This Club" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later, he performed on Ciara's single "Never Ever", from her album Fantasy Ride.^[12]

In the summer of 2008, Jeezy was at the center of a controversy over his choice for president. While he had previously endorsed Barack Obama, he spoke about meeting and supporting John McCain during an interview with Vibe magazine. The statement caused a stir, and Jeezy quickly clarified his choice, via a viral video. In the four-minute explanation, Jeezy made it clear, Obama was his main choice. "I represent the Democratic party. ... I've never been nor do I ever plan to be a John McCain supporter", the rapper said. "I support Barack Obama."^[13] Jeezy and Jay-Z performed in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 18, 2009.^[14] On The O'Reilly Factor, commentator Bill O'Reilly criticized their performance as a "rant that offended people",^[15] but Jeezy responded: "I got white friends. It's nothing like that. I'm a taxpayer, I got a right to voice my opinion at any point in time. I don't think he really understands my struggle."^[16]

[edit] Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition (2011-present)

Jeezy is working on Thug Motivation 103, his latest LP, as of November 2009.^[17] In March 2010, it was reported that Young Jeezy dropped "Young" from his stage name.^[18] Later, Young Jeezy denied the name change and claimed it was just a rumor:^[19] however, on the cover for his single "Lose My Mind", his name is printed as "Jeezy". On May 17, 2011, Jeezy released the first single for Thug Motivation 103, "Ballin", which features Lil Wayne.

On March 4, 2010 Jeezy released the track "Illin", featuring the group Clipse; specifically Pusha T. On the track Pusha T raps, "No amount of record sales could derail this ...Stuffing dead prezzies in the wall like that Yale bitch..." The line was controversial and many felt the line was in bad taste and demeaned Yale student Annie Le, who was murdered in 2009, by making light of a crime that had grabbed a lot of media attention due to its extremely upsetting and tragic nature.^[20] On July 22, 2011, Young Jeezy released the second single off TM103, "Shake Life". On July 26, 2011, Young Jeezy announced a September 20, 2011 release date for TM103.^[21] However the album was pushed back yet again, this time to December 20, 2011.^[22] On September 29, 2011, Young Jeezy released the third single off TM103, named "F.A.M.E. (Fake Ass Mothafu*kas Envy)",^[23] featuring T.I. This is the first official song T.I. was featured on since his latest stint in prison.

Personal life[link]

He is a personal friend of fellow Atlanta rapper Yung Joc.^[24] After Hurricane Katrina, Jeezy opened his house to the victims in an effort to help them have a place to stay. In October 2005, the mother of his 9 year old son used this as the basis to petition for child support. Early in the year, she had claimed that she had little income, no assets and did not even have a house.^[25]

On March 11, 2005, Jeezy was arrested after an alleged shooting involving some of his friends in Miami Beach, Florida.^[26] He was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit; however, prosecutors dropped his charges two months later over lack of evidence.^[27] In the early hours of September 29, 2007, Jeezy destroyed his Lamborghini when it was hit by a taxi crossing Peachtree Street, outside of Justin's, Sean Combs’s restaurant in Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported his claim that this gave him "a new appreciation for life".^[28] In Atlanta on June 18, 2008, police arrested him for DUI.^[29]

Discography[link]

Studio albums 2005: Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 2006: The Inspiration 2008: The Recession 2011: Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition Filmography[link] 2009: Janky Promoters [30] Awards[link] BET Awards 2010, Viewer's Choice Award ("Hard") with Rihanna [Won] 2009, Best Male Hip-Hop Artist [Nominated] 2008, Best Collaboration ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated][31] BET Hip-Hop Awards 2008, Best Hip-Hop Video ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Nominated][32] 2008, Best Hip-Hop Collabo ("I'm So Hood [Remix]") with DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Birdman, & Rick Ross [Won][33] 2008, People's Champ Award ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated][34] 2006, Hip-Hop CD of the Year ("Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101") [Nominated][35] 2006, Hip-Hop MVP of the Year [Nominated][35] Grammy Awards 2009, Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated][36] 2010, Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Amazing") with Kanye West (Nominated) 2011, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Lose My Mind") with Plies (Nominated) Ozone Awards[citation needed] 2008, Best Rap Artist [Nominated] 2008, Best Rap/R&B Collaboration ("Love in This Club") with Usher (Won) 2007, Best Rap Album The Inspiration (Won) 2007, Best Rap/R&B Collaboration ("Go Getta") with R. Kelly [Nominated] 2007, Best Video ("Grew Up a Screw Up") with Ludacris [Nominated] 2007, Best Group with Slick Pulla & Blood Raw as USDA [Nominated] References[link] ^ a b c Kellman, Andy (2008). "Young Jeezy: Biography". allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p640485/biography. Retrieved 2009-01-16.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (June 1, 2005). "Young Jeezy". You Hear It First. MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/yhif/young_jeezy/. Retrieved April 1, 2010.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (August 1, 2005). "Young Jeezy: Putting His Mouth Where His Money Is". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/bands/y/young_jeezy/young_jeezy_inw_050801/. Retrieved April 1, 2010.  ^ a b Thompson, Bonsu (October 2005). "I'm a King". XXL. http://www.xxlmag.com/magazine/2005/10/im-a-king/. Retrieved January 13, 2011.  ^ "Thuggin Under the Influence". Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005M96X/. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ a b c d e "Interview With Shakir Stewart". HitQuarters. November 14, 2005. http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_ShakirStewart.html. Retrieved Jun 22, 2010.  ^ Ethan Brown (May 4, 2006). "Black Mafia Family – Mo' Money, Mo' Problems". http://www.vibe.com/news/magazine_features/2006/05/bmf_mo_money_mo_problems/. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "Beef with Gucci Mane". http://atlanta.about.com/od/celebrityprofiles/p/guccimane.htm. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "My Hood lyrics". http://ezsonglyrics.com/lyrics/young-jeezy/my-hood.html. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "Popular single "Icy"". http://atlanta.about.com/od/celebrityprofiles/p/guccimane.htm. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "''HHWorlds.com'' – Young Jeezy Hosts 'Toyz n da Hood' (December 14, 2007)". Hhworlds.com. 2011-05-08. http://www.hhworlds.com/f11/12-14-07-young-jeezy-hosts-toyz-n-da-hood-10052.html. Retrieved 2011-08-05.  ^ Ciara's New Single Confirmed Rap-Up.com. Retrieved December 19, 2008. ^ Starbury, Allen (2008-07-02). "Young Jeezy Clarifies McCain Comments, Pledges Support For Obama". BallerStatus.com. http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/news/2008/07/5016/.  ^ St. Pierre, Jay (2009-02-19). "Get Sillay: Young Jeezy enforces country's racial segregation". The Daily Reveille. http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/get_sillay_young_jeezy_enforces_country_s_racial_segregation-1.1485034.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (2009-01-22). "Young Jeezy Defends 'My President' Against Bill O'Reilly". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1603361/20090122/jeezy_young.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-03-15.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (2009-02-13). "Kanye West Explains 'Jockin' Jay-Z' Sample, Drops Exclusive Freestyle, More In Mixtape Monday". Mixtape Monday (MTV News). http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1605130/20090213/west_kanye.jhtml.  ^ Reid, Shaheem (2009-07-09). "Young Jeezy Is Working On Thug Motivation 103 'Right Now'". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1615584/20090708/story.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-07-27.  ^ Young Jeezy Changes His Name. Island Def Jam. Retrieved March 19, 2010. ^ Jeezy denies name change says he still Young Jeezy | Young Jeezy. Rap Basement (2010-04-13). Retrieved on 2010-12-27. ^ Gendreau, Leanne. (2010-09-20) Rap Lyric Makes Light of Annie Le Murder. NBC New York. Retrieved on 2010-12-27. ^ "Young Jeezy Announces ‘TM103’ Release Date". Rap-Up.com. 2011-07-25. http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/25/young-jeezy-announces-tm103-release-date/. Retrieved 2011-08-05.  ^ Iandoli, Kathy (2011-09-20). "Rap Release Dates: Young Jeezy, Mac Miller, Bow Wow, DJ Drama | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16909/title.rap-release-dates-young-jeezy-mac-miller-bow-wow-dj-drama. Retrieved 2011-10-31.  ^ "Young Jeezy – F.A.M.E. (Fake Ass Muthaf*ckas Envy) f. T.I". Fashionably-early.com. 2011-09-29. http://fashionably-early.com/2011/09/29/young-jeezy-%e2%80%93-f-a-m-e-fake-ass-muthafckas-envy-f-t-i/. Retrieved 2011-10-31.  ^ Krista Desens (July 11, 2006). "Yung Joc". http://netmusiccountdown.com/inc/news_article.php?id=10617. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "Jeezy helps hurricane victims". The San Francisco Chronicle. October 21, 2005. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=7&entry_id=1409. Retrieved November 29, 2006.  ^ "Young Jeezy arrested after Florida shootout". Associated Press. March 16, 2006. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/11808183. Retrieved June 27, 2010.  ^ "Young Jeezy weapons charges dropped". Associated Press. May 19, 2006. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/12818427. Retrieved June 27, 2010.  ^ 40/40 Club Stabbing. SOHH. Retrieved October 10, 2007. ^ Harris, Chris (2008-06-18). "Young Jeezy Arrested In Atlanta". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589553/20080618/jeezy_young.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-02-03.  ^ Kuperstein, Slava (2008-07-10). "Jeezy Talks Movie With Ice Cube, Remix With Jay-Z". Hiphopdx.com. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.7285/title.jeezy-talks-movie-with-ice-cube-remix-with-jay-z. Retrieved 2011-08-05.  ^ Best Collaboration. BET Awards 2008. ^ Best Hip-Hop Video. BET Hip Hop Awards 2008. ^ Best Hip Hop Collabo. BET Hip Hop Awards 2008. ^ Alltel People's Champ Award. BET Hip Hop Awards 2008. ^ a b Adaso, Henry. "2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards". About.com. http://rap.about.com/od/awards/a/BETHipHopAwards.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-10.  ^ "The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Winners List". NARAS. 2009. http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/51st_show/list.aspx#07. Retrieved 2009-04-10.  External links[link] Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Young Jeezy Official website Young Jeezy at the Internet Movie Database Young Jeezy Interview at prefixmag Young Jeezy Circulate Music Video Young Jeezy Talks About Nas v t e Young Jeezy Studio albums Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 The Inspiration The Recession Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition Independent albums Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.) Come Shop wit Me Collaboration albums Boyz n da Hood Cold Summer Singles "And Then What" "Soul Survivor" "Go Crazy" "My Hood" "I Luv It" "Go Getta" "Dreamin'" "Put On" "Vacation" "Crazy World" "My President" "Who Dat" "Lose My Mind" "Ballin'" "F.A.M.E." "I Do" "Leave You Alone" Featured singles "Icy" "Get Throwed" "Say I" "Grew Up a Screw Up" "Diamonds" "5000 Ones" "100 Million" "Love in This Club" "Louie" "I'm So Paid" "Never Ever" "Amazing" "Better Believe It" "Fed Up" "Hard" "Put Your Hands Up" "(Ha Ha) Slow Down" Collaborative singles "Dem Boyz" "White Girl" Other songs "I'm Goin' In" "Be the One" Related articles Discography Boyz n da Hood United Streets Dopeboyz of America v t e Def Jam Recordings Founders Russell Simmons Rick Rubin Current artists 2 Chainz Ameriie Asher Roth Big Boi Big Sean Brutha Chrisette Michele DJ Clue? The-Dream Electrik Red Fabolous Fast Life Yungstaz Ghostface Killah Jadakiss Jennifer Lopez Jeremih Juelz Santana Kanye West Karina LL Cool J Ludacris Method Man Method Man & Redman Nas Patti LaBelle Pusha T Redman Rick Ross Rihanna Ron Isley Sheek Louch Shyne The Roots Triple C's U.S.D.A YG Young Jeezy Former artists 3rd Bass Ace Hood Alyson Williams Ashanti Beanie Sigel Beastie Boys B.G. Knocc Out Bobby V Boss Cam'ron Capone-N-Noreaga Case Chingy Cormega Cru Davy D Def Squad The Diplomats DJ Richie Rich DMX Domino Downtown Science The Dove Shack Dresta Dru Hill EPMD Fam-Lay Flatlinerz Foxy Brown Funkmaster Flex Flesh-n-Bone I-20 Ja Rule Jay-Z Jayo Felony Joe Budden  · Jonell Keith Murray Kelly Price Lady Gaga Lady Luck Lil Ru Lil Scrappy Lloyd LovHer Megan Rochell MoKenStef Montell Jordan Musiq Soulchild Ne-Yo Nikki D N.O.R.E. Nice & Smooth Nicole Wray N-Dubz Onyx Oran "Juice" Jones Peedi Peedi Pete Nice Playa Rell Rev Run Richie Rich Rocko Scarface Selan Lerner Shareefa Shawnna Sisqó Slayer Slick Rick South Central Cartel Terminator X Terri Walker Unladylike Warren G WC Y?N-Vee v t e Def Jam South Founders Russell Simmons Current artists Mannie Fresh Ludacris Rick Ross DJ Khaled The-Dream Troy Gentile Yung Berg Ace Hood Young Jeezy USDA Slick Pulla Triple C's Big Sean Willy Northpole Brutha TK N CASH Unladylike Lil Fate Fast Life Yungstaz Former artists Bobby V Scarface Jarvis Lazy Eye LeLe Serius Jones Shawnna Blood Raw Shareefa Steph Jones Lil Scrappy I-20 Lil Ru Related articles and record labels Def Jam Recordings We the Best Music Group Disturbing tha Peace Slip-N-Slide Records Persondata Name Young Jeezy Alternative names Short description American rapper Date of birth September 28, 1977 Place of birth Columbia, South Carolina Date of death Place of death

Wiz Khalifa
Wiz Khalifa in Brooklyn, New York in August 2009.
Background information
Birth name	Cameron Jibril Thomaz
Born	(1987-09-08) September 8, 1987 (age 24) Minot, North Dakota, United States
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, singer, songwriter, actor
Years active	2005–present
Labels	Rostrum, Taylor Gang, Warner Bros., Atlantic
Associated acts	Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Curren$y, Big Sean, Chevy Woods, Mac Miller, Juicy J, Tinie Tempah, Yelawolf, Maroon 5, Big K.R.I.T.
Website	wizkhalifa.com

Cameron Jibril Thomaz (born September 8, 1987), better known by the stage name Wiz Khalifa, is an American rapper. He released his debut album, Show and Prove, in 2006, and signed to Warner Bros. Records in 2007. His Eurodance-influenced single, "Say Yeah", received urban radio airplay, charting on the Rhythmic Top 40 and Hot Rap Tracks charts in 2008.^[1] Khalifa parted with Warner Bros. and released his second album, Deal or No Deal, in November 2009. He released the mixtape Kush and Orange Juice as a free download in April 2010; he then signed with Atlantic Records.^[2] He is also well known for his debut single for Atlantic, "Black and Yellow", which peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album for the label, Rolling Papers, was released on March 29, 2011.^[3]

Early life[link]

Khalifa was born on September 8, 1987 to a mother and a father serving in the military.^[1][4] His parents divorced when Khalifa was about three years old. His parents' military service caused him to move regularly: Khalifa lived in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan before settling in Pittsburgh where he attended Taylor Allderdice High School.^[1][4]

His stage name is derived from khalifa, an Arabic word meaning "successor", and wisdom, which was shortened to Wiz when Khalifa was a young boy .^[5] Khalifa stated to spinner.com that the name also came from being called "young Wiz 'cause I was good at everything I did, and my granddad is Muslim, so he gave me that name; he felt like that's what I was doing with my music." He got his stage name tattooed on his 17th birthday.^[6][7] He includes Jimi Hendrix, Camp Lo, The Notorious B.I.G. and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony among his influences.^[8]

Career[link]

[edit] 2005–08: Early mixtapes and Show and Prove

Rostrum Records president Benjy Grinberg first heard about Wiz Khalifa in 2004 when the rapper's contribution to a mixtape of various new Pittsburgh artists attracted his interest.^[9] When Grinberg finally met the 16-year-old artist, he immediately decided he wanted to work with him, later telling HitQuarters: "Even though he wasn’t all the way developed you could just tell that he was a diamond in the rough, and that with some polishing, guidance and backing he could become something special."^[9] Khalifa signed to the label shortly after and began a seven year period of artist development.^[9]

Khalifa released his first mixtape, Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania, in 2005. The mixtape paved the way for his first full length album entitled Show and Prove in 2006. Khalifa was declared an "artist to watch" that year in Rolling Stone magazine.^[10][11]

In 2007, Khalifa signed to Warner Bros. Records and released two mixtapes through Rostrum Records: Grow Season, hosted by DJ Green Lantern and released on July 4, 2007, and Prince of the City 2, released on November 20, 2007. His debut Warner Bros. single "Say Yeah" reached number 25 on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 music chart and number 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks. The song samples "Better Off Alone" by Alice Deejay. Khalifa's vocals from "Say Yeah" appear near the end of Pittsburgh mash up producer Girl Talk's 2008 album, Feed the Animals, over music from Underworld's "Born Slippy", Usher's "Love in This Club", and the Cure's "In Between Days".^[12] Khalifa appeared with The Game, David Banner and Play-n-Skillz at U92's Summer Jam at the USANA Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Utah on August 2, 2008.^[13] Khalifa released the mixtapes Star Power in September 2008, and Flight School in April 2009 on Rostrum Records.

Khalifa parted ways with Warner Bros. Records in July 2009 after numerous delays in releasing his planned debut album for the label, First Flight. Khalifa stated to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, "I learned a lot during my time there and matured as an artist during the process. I'm happy to be moving on with all of my material and having the chance to be in control of my next moves".^[14] Khalifa appeared with Girl Talk, Modey Lemon, Donora, Grand Buffet, and Don Caballero at the Amphitheatre at Station Square in Pittsburgh on July 31, 2009, where he announced that his relationship with Warner Bros. was over.^[15]

Wiz Khalifa performing at Columbia University in New York City in April 2010.

[edit] 2009–10: Deal or No Deal

Continuing his association with Rostrum Records, Khalifa released the single "Teach U to Fly", and the mixtape How Fly, a collaboration with New Orleans rapper Curren$y, on August 9, 2009.^[14] Khalifa introduced a more melodic style on the mixtape, alternating between singing and rapping. He opened for Wu-Tang Clan member U-God at the 2009 CMJ Music Marathon in New York City.^[16] Khalifa released the mixtape Burn After Rolling on November 2, 2009, where he raps over familiar beats from other artists, including the songs "If I Were A Boy" and "Diva" by Beyoncé, "Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun, "Luchini AKA This Is It" by Camp Lo, and "Best I Ever Had" by Drake.^[17] Khalifa released his second album, Deal or No Deal, on November 24, 2009.^[18]

Khalifa performed at Emo's in Austin, Texas in March 2010 as part of the 2010 South by Southwest Music Festival.^[19] He appeared on the cover of XXL magazine that same month, for the magazine's annual list of Top 10 Freshman, which included Donnis, J. Cole, Pill, Freddie Gibbs, and Fashawn. Wiz Khalifa was named 2010 "Rookie Of The Year" by "The Source", with alongside Rick Ross, "The Man Of The Year".^[20] He toured with rapper Yelawolf on a 20-date tour, the Deal Or No Deal Tour.^[21] Khalifa released the free mixtape Kush and Orange Juice for download on April 14, 2010. Due to Khalifa's devoted grassroots fan base, the mixtape became the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter with the hash tag #kushandorangejuice, and "Kush and Orange Juice download” ranked No. 1 on Google’s hot search trends.^[22]

2010: Signing with Atlantic Records[link]

Citing music industry insiders, New York magazine wrote that Khalifa signed with Atlantic Records in April 2010, although the rapper did not confirm it.^[23] He stated to AllHipHop in June 2010 that he was working on a new album, but was weighing his options and had not yet decided on a label to distribute it.^[24] Khalifa confirmed to MTV on July 30 that he was signing an Atlantic Records deal.^[25]

Wiz Khalifa on stage in Boston in August 2010.

Khalifa was featured in a remix and video for the 2010 Rick Ross single "Super High", alongside Curren$y.^[26] He guested on the mixtape Grey Goose, Head Phones, and Thirsty Women by St. Louis rapper M.C,^[27] and was featured on the track "The Breeze (Cool)" on rapper Wale's August 2010 mixtape More About Nothing.^[28] Khalifa was named MTV's Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010, winning with nearly 70,000 votes, and beating out finalists Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, Travis Porter, and Diggy Simmons.^[29]

Khalifa appeared at the Soundset 2010 festival in May 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, alongside Method Man & Redman, Del the Funky Homosapien and Hieroglyphics, Atmosphere, Murs, Cage, and others.^[30] He also performed at the 2010 Rock the Bells festival, along with hip hop veterans Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, KRS-One, Jedi Mind Tricks and Slick Rick.^[31] Khalifa declined an invitation to tour with rapper Drake and launched his own "Waken Baken" tour, a 50-city national tour with rapper Yelawolf. The tour, scheduled to last from September to November 2010, has, as of October, sold out every venue.^[8] On November 2010, during his "Waken Baken" tour at East Carolina University, Wiz Khalifa was arrested for possession and trafficking of marijuana. He was then released the next morning after a $300K bail, and resumed his tour. Khalifa performed in a cypher during the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards. He recited his verse from the song, "The Check Point", from his mixtape with Curren$y, How Fly.^[32]

[edit] 2010–11: Mainstream success and Rolling Papers

Wiz Khalifa at SXSW in 2010

Khalifa released "Black and Yellow", his first single for Rostrum/Atlantic, produced by Stargate, which has received radio airplay.^[8][33] The single was peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; the title of the song refers to the colours of the City of Pittsburgh.^[34] Khalifa released his debut album with Atlantic Records in 2011.^[35] He appeared with Curren$y on the track "Scaling the Building" on producer Ski Beatz' 2010 album, 24 Hour Karate School.^[36] Khalifa's record label is Taylor Gang Records, named after his love of Chuck Taylor All-Stars^[8], and Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, PA, where he graduated from.

On March 29, 2011, Khalifa released his first studio album, Rolling Papers. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 197,000 copies in the United States.^[37] Shortly afterward on March 31, 2011 Wiz Khalifa performed at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia as part of the school's annual Dooley's Weekend.^[38] On June 26, 2011, Khalifa was nominated and won Best New Artist at the BET Awards of 2011.^[39] Khalifa collaborated with British rapper Tinie Tempah whom Tinie announced in an interview with Rolling Stone that his next single is to be called "Till I'm Gone" and would feature Wiz Khalifa and is to be produced by Stargate.^[40][41] The single and the video song were released at the end of June 2011.^[42]

Personal life[link]

Thomaz proposed to model Amber Rose on March 1, 2012 showing off the ring on Twitter.^[43] He is personal friends with Snoop Dogg, Juicy J, Yelawolf, and fellow Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller.^[44]

In March 2012, Thomaz purchased a 2.8 private wooded acres with a 3,891-square-foot residence in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a small community southwest of Pittsburgh. The residence includes 5-bedroom, 4-bath eco-friendly, Brazilian Koa floors, stainless steel appliances, a separate guest house, and a lavish master suite with high ceilings.^[45] He currently resides there with his fiancée Amber Rose.

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• 2006: Show and Prove
• 2009: Deal or No Deal
• 2011: Rolling Papers
• 2012: O.N.I.F.C. ^[11][46][47]

Collaborative albums

• 2011: Mac & Devin Go to High School (with Snoop Dogg)
• 2012: TBA (with Taylor Gang)

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]