title	FT Magazine
frequency	Weekly
circulation	133,665 per week (as part of the weekend Financial Times UK & Ireland edition newspaper)
category	Newspaper supplement
company	Pearson PLC
country	United Kingdom
language	English
website	www.ft.com/magazine

''FT Magazine'' is a supplement to the weekend edition of the ''Financial Times'' newspaper. It covers world events, politics and the arts.

It is only included with the UK & Ireland edition of the ''Financial Times''; however, articles from it are also printed in sections of the USA edition of the Financial Times, e.g. the ''Lunch with the FT''.

Category:Weekly magazines Category:British magazines Category:Financial Times

nl:FT Magazine

Name	Janelle Monáe
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Janelle Monáe Robinson
Birth date	December 01, 1985
Origin	Kansas City, Kansas US
Genre	R&B;, soul, funk, alternative rock, dance-punk
Occupation	musician
Years active	2003-present
Label	Bad Boy Records, Atlantic Records
Website	http://www.jmonae.com/ }}

Janelle Monáe (born Janelle Monáe Robinson; December 1, 1985) is an American R&B;/soul musician signed to Bad Boy Records and Atlantic Records.

Monáe debuted with a conceptual EP, ''Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)''. The EP failed to make much of a commercial impact, peaking at #115 on the Billboard charts in the United States.

In 2010, Janelle Monáe released her debut studio album, ''The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)'', a concept album sequel to her first EP; it was released widely to the general public under Bad Boy Records. This album received acclaim from critics and gained a Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary R&B; Album. The song "Tightrope" was also nominated for "Best Urban/Alternative Performance"; this album was also more successful commercially officially reaching the 17th Spot on the Billboard Charts.

Biography

Early life and career

Monáe was born Janelle Monáe Robinson in Kansas City, Kansas, where she spent her early life; Monáe has stated that the fictional character of ''Dorothy'' from the Wizard of Oz has been one of her musical influences. She has told reporters that she has dreamed of being a singer and a performer since she was very young. Monáe moved from Kansas City, Kansas to New York to study drama at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She attended a Performing Arts School called Freedom Theatre, which is the oldest African-American theatre in Philadelphia. After moving to Atlanta, Georgia, where she met OutKast's Big Boi, Monáe founded the Wondaland Arts Society with like-minded young artists and made appearances on ''Idlewild'', where she is featured on the songs "Call the Law" and "In Your Dreams". Big Boi told his friend Sean Combs about Monáe, whom he had not heard of before. Combs promptly visited her MySpace page, and according to Bad Boy Records' A&R; Daniel 'Skid' Mitchell in an interview with HitQuarters, the label boss loved it straight away, "[He] loved her look, loved that you couldn’t see her body, loved the way she was dancing, and just loved the vibe. He felt like she has something that was different - something new and fresh." Monáe signed to Bad Boy in 2006. The label's chief role was in facilitating her exposure on a much broader scale rather than developing the artist and her music, because in the words of Mitchell, "She was already moving, she already had her records - she had a self-contained movement." Combs and Big Boi wanted to take their time and build her profile organically and allow the music to grow rather than put out "A hot single which everyone jumps on, and then they fade because it's just something of the moment."

2007 to 2010: ''Metropolis - The Chase Suite'' and ''The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)''

In 2007, Monáe released her first solo work, titled ''Metropolis''. It was originally conceived as a concept album in four parts, or "suites", which were to be released through her website and mp3 download sites. After the release of the first part of the series, ''Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)'' in mid-2007, these plans were altered following her signing with Sean "Diddy" Combs's label, Bad Boy Records, later in the year. The label gave an official and physical release to the first "suite" in August 2008, which was retitled ''Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)'' and included two new tracks. The EP was generally well-received by critics, garnering Monáe a 2009 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her single "Many Moons", festival appearances and opening slots for the indie pop band Of Montreal. Monáe also toured as the opening act for band No Doubt on their summer 2009 tour. Her single "Open Happiness" was featured in the 2009 season finale of ''American Idol''. Monáe told MTV about her concept for her new album and also discussed her alter-ego named ''Cindi Mayweather'', she said:

"Cindi is an android and I love speaking about the android because they are the new “other�. People are afraid of the other and I believe we’re going to live in a world with androids because of technology and the way it advances. The first album she was running because she had fallen in love with a human and she was being disassembled for that."

In a November 2009 interview, Monáe revealed the title and concept behind her album, ''The ArchAndroid''. The album was released on 18 May 2010. The second and third suites of ''Metropolis'' are combined into this full-length release, in which Monáe's alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather—also the protagonist of ''Metropolis: The Chase Suite''— becomes a messianic figure to the android community of Metropolis. Monáe noted that she plans to shoot a video for each song on ''The ArchAndroid'' and create both a movie and graphic novel based on the album. The ''Metropolis'' concept series draws inspiration from a wide range of musical, cinematic and other sources, ranging from Alfred Hitchcock to Debussy to Philip K. Dick. However, the series puts Fritz Lang's 1927 silent film ''Metropolis'', which Monáe referred to as "the godfather of science-fiction movies," in special regard. Aside from sharing a name, they also share visual styles (the cover for ''The ArchAndroid'' is inspired by the iconic poster for ''Metropolis''), conceptual themes and political goals, using expressionistic future scenarios to examine and explode contemporary ideas of prejudice and class. Both also include a performing female android, though to very different effect. Where ''Metropolis'' android Maria is the evil, havoc-sowing double of the messianic figure to the city's strictly segregated working class, Monáe's messianic android muse Cindi Mayweather represents an interpretation of androids as that segregated minority, which Monáe describes as "... the Other. And I feel like all of us, whether in the majority or the minority, felt like the Other at some point."

Monáe received the Vanguard Award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers at the Rhythm & Soul Music Awards in 2010. Monáe covered Charlie Chaplin's ''Smile'' on Billboard.com in June 2010. In an NPR interview in September 2010, Monae stated that she is a believer in, and a proponent of time travel. Monáe performed "Tightrope" during the second elimination episode of the 11th Season of Dancing with the Stars on September 28, 2010. Monáe performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2011 alongside artists Bruno Mars and B.o.B; Monáe performed the synth section of B.o.B's song "Nothin' On You" and she then performed her track "Cold War" with B.o.B on the Guitar and Mars on the drums. Her performance received a standing ovation.

Her single, "Tightrope" was featured on the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2011, performed by Pia Toscano, Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, and Thia Megia.

2011 to present: instrumental re-release of ''ArchAndroid'', new album and other projects

Janelle tweeted that she is planning on releasing an instrumental version of her album The ArchAndroid.

In an interview, Monáe stated that she plans to release two albums in 2012. In another interview with Forbes, Monáe also said that she plans to release an ArchAndroid inspired film. She will join the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a support act on part of their "I'm With You" tour.

Artistry

Musical styles and influences

''The Telegraph'' released their interview with Monáe talking about her first studio album where they said "I begin to worry for a moment that Monáe may not just be a humourless science-fiction nerd, but actually an android herself, created in a laboratory as a super-musical cross between James Brown, Judy Garland, Andre 3000 and Steve Jobs, invented to test the desperate incredulity of music journalists". They also compared Monáe to artists such as Annie Lennox and Lauryn Hill. Her musical styles have been described as "a soaring orchestral trip enlivened with blockbuster vocals, mysterious imagery and notes of Sixties pop and jazz". ''The Guardian'' have noted some of her influences as: Michael Jackson, Prince, OutKast, Erykah Badu, Beyonce, James Brown, Grace Jones, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, Bernard Herrmann, Funkadelic and the Incredible String Band. Monáe has stated that she has an alter-ego named ''Cindi Mayweather'' who according to Monáe is from the year 2719. In her first EP she gave her alter-ego a back-story stating that she is on the run after breaking the law in her home town of ''Metropolis'' after falling in love with a human named ''Anthony Greendown''. Monáe explained about Cindi, saying "The Archandroid, Cindi, is the mediator, between the mind and the hand. She's the mediator between the haves and the have-nots, the oppressed and the oppressor. She's like the Archangel in the Bible, and what Neo represents to the Matrix."

Public image

Monáe has gained a signature clothing style of wearing a Tuxedo wardrobe and she said on the matter to ''Honey Magazine'' "I bathe in it, I swim in it, and I could be buried in it. A tux is such a standard uniform, it’s so classy and it’s a lifestyle I enjoy. The tux keeps me balanced. I look at myself as a canvas. I don’t want to cloud myself with too many colors or I’ll go crazy. It’s an experiment I’m doing. I think I want to be in the Guinness Book of World Records." In Monáe's concerts she has been noted to hand out her ''Ten Droid Commandments'' which encourages her fans to be individuals. ''The Telegraph'' also commented on her image as an artist saying "Sitting in a grey, airless record company office, this slight, stiff young woman delivers her speech in slow, deliberate tones, utterly expressionless. Dressed in her trademark starched shirt and tuxedo, hair immaculately coiffed, Monáe’s face is an opaque mask of perfection: all silken smooth skin, button nose and glassy brown eyes. I begin to worry for a moment that Monáe may not just be a humourless science-fiction nerd, but actually an android herself." She has described her Tuxedos as being a uniform for her career and she has stated that she wears them when she is working. She also featured in the "Style 100" of ''InStyle Magazine''.

Discography

Studio albums

Year	Album details	Peak chart positions
		! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"
2010		* First studio album	* Release date: May 18, 2010	* Label: Bad Boy Records	17	4	12	24	36	51	96

Extended plays

Year	Album details	Peak chartpositions
		! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"	! style="width:30px;"
2007		* First extended play	* Release date: August 24, 2007	* Label: Bad Boy Records	115	20	2

Singles

! Year	! Single	! Album
2006
2006
2007
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2009
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Featured Singles

36

+ List of singles, with selected chart positions

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Title

Year

Peak chart positions

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Album

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"We Are Young"( Fun featuring Janelle Monáe)

2011

1

—

|

—

—

—

2

—

—

1

* US: 2x Platinum

''Some Nights''

"—" denotes a release that did not chart.

Guest appearances

2005: ''In "House" Sessions'' (My First Love)

2005: ''Broadcasting the Definition'' (Peachtree Blues)

2005: Purple Ribbon All-Stars - ''Got Purp? Vol 2'' ("Time Will Reveal," "Lettin' Go")

2006: Outkast - ''Idlewild'' ("Call the Law," "In Your Dreams")

2008: "Big" Collaboration with Big Boi and the Atlanta Ballet

2009: Chester French- ''Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance (Mixtape)'' ("Nerd Girl")

2009: ''Open Happiness''

2009: ''Stargate Universe'' - "Earth" Episode 7, Season 1

2010: B.o.B. - ''B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray'' ("The Kids")

2010: Big Boi - ''Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty'' ("Be Still")

2010: of Montreal - ''False Priest'' ("Our Riotous Defects," "Enemy Gene")

2010: Without a Fight - For Colored Girls: Music From and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

2011: fun. - ''Some Nights'' ("We Are Young")

2011: ("Tightrope") (featuring Big Boi) - performance on ''Later With Jools Holland'' - BBC Television

Awards and nominations

!Year	!Award	!Category	!Result
	2009		Grammy Awards	Best Urban/Alternative Performance ("Many Moons")
		ASCAP Awards	Vanguard Award
	MTV Video Music Awards
	Aposta Internacional (International Bet)
Soul Train Awards	Centric Award
	Best of the Booth Award	Best R&B;/Pop Album of 2010
	Best Contemporary R&B; Album (''The ArchAndroid (Suites II and III)'')
Best Urban/Alternative Performance ("Tightrope")

References

External links

Official website

Janelle Monáe discography at Discogs

Janelle Monae interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' June 2010

Janelle Monáe Interview

Janelle Monáe interview at URB

Janelle Monáe interview with SPIN

Review of Tightrope (feat. Big Boi)

Q & A with Janelle Monae

"Janelle Monáe on BackPocketMag.com

Category:1985 births Category:Living people Category:People from Kansas City, Kansas Category:African American singers Category:American female singers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Bad Boy Records artists Category:Musicians from Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Musicians from Kansas Category:People from Atlanta, Georgia

cs:Janelle Monáe da:Janelle Monáe de:Janelle Monáe es:Janelle Monáe fr:Janelle Monáe it:Janelle Monáe he:×–'×?נל ×?ונה no:Janelle Monáe pl:Janelle Monáe pt:Janelle Monáe ru:МонÑ?, Жанель fi:Janelle Monáe tr:Janelle Monáe

Name	Killer Mike
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Michael Render
Alias	Killa Kill, Mike Bigga
Birth date	April 20, 1975
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	rapper
Years active	2000–present
Label	Grind Time Official/SMC/Grand Hustle
Associated acts	OutKast, T.I., Big Kuntry King, Young Jeezy
Website	}}

Michael Render (born April 20, 1975), better known by his stage name Killer Mike, is an American rapper, signed to Grind Time Official through the SMC/Fontana Distribution. He made his debut on "Snappin' and Trappin'" on OutKast's 2000 LP ''Stankonia'', and also appeared on the Grammy-winning song, "The Whole World", the single from OutKast's greatest hits album ''Big Boi and Dre Present...OutKast''. He was featured in the movies ''20 Funerals'', ''Idlewild'', and ''ATL''.

Career

Killer Mike released his debut album, ''Monster'', in 2003. The album's lead single was "Akshon (Yeah!)", it featured OutKast on guest vocals, and was included on the soundtrack to the 2004 version of EA Sports popular video game Madden NFL. He even made a Madden '04 remix of "Akshon (Yeah!)" for the game. The album's second single was "A.D.I.D.A.S.", featuring Big Boi and Sleepy Brown, which peaked at #60 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is Killer Mike's highest charting single to date as a lead artist. The song's title was an acronym for "All day I dream about sex". Following the release of his own material, he appeared on "Flip Flop Rock" and "Bust" on the ''Speakerboxx'' half of ''Speakerboxxx/The Love Below''. He also appeared on "Southern Takeover" with Pastor Troy on Chamillionaire's CD The Sound of Revenge. His second album "Ghetto Extraordinary" has had its release date pushed back several times due to disputes between Big Boi and Sony Records.

Killer Mike has also performed as a voice actor. He played a rapper/actor, turned President of the United States, named Taqu'il in the Adult Swim cartoon ''Frisky Dingo''. According to an article published in the June 2007 issue of XXL, Killer Mike addressed why he left the Purple Ribbon roster. He stated that he felt as if Purple Ribbon was the equivalent to the "Clippers," while he wanted to join the "Lakers."

Days after T.I. addressed the rumor and confirmed that he and Killer Mike had been in talks about bringing Mike to his Grand Hustle imprint on Atlantic, Killer Mike confirmed to HipHopDX.com that he signed.

Discography

Albums

{|class="wikitable" !rowspan="2"|Year !rowspan="2"|Title !colspan="4"|Chart positions |- !width="40"|US !width="40"|US R&B; !width="40"|US Rap !width="40"|US Independent |- |2003 |''Monster''

Released: March 11, 2003

Label: Columbia Records

|align="center"|10 |align="center"|4 |align="center"|* |align="center"|— |- |2006 |''I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind''

Released: November 21, 2006

Label: Grind Time Official

|align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |- |2008 |''I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II''

Released: July 8, 2008

Label: Grind Time Official, SMC Recordings

|align="center"|178 |align="center"|17 |align="center"|9 |align="center"|29 |- |2009 |''Underground Atlanta''

Released: August 31, 2009

Label: Grind Time Official, SMC Recordings

|align="center"|— |align="center"|34 |align="center"|10 |align="center"|— |- |2011 |''PL3DGE'' Released: May 17, 2011

Label: Grind Time Official, SMC Recordings, Grand Hustle Records

|align="center"|115 |align="center"|23 |align="center"|12 |align="center"|20 |- |2011 |''R.A.P. (Rebellious African People) Music''

Released: TBA

Label: Grind Time Official, Adult Swim, Grand Hustle Records

| align="center" colspan="4"| To be released |- |}

Singles

{|class="wikitable" ! rowspan="2"|Year ! rowspan="2"|Song ! colspan="3"|Chart positions !rowspan="2"|Album |- !width="40"|U.S. !width="40"|U.S. R&B; !width="40"|U.S. Rap |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2002 | "Akshon (Yeah!)" (featuring Outkast) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=2|''Monster'' |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2003 | "A.D.I.D.A.S." (featuring Big Boi & Sleepy Brown) |align="center"|60 |align="center"|42 |align="center"|20 |- |align="center" rowspan=3|2005 | "Get 'Em Shawty" (featuring Three 6 Mafia) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=2|non-album single |- | "My Chrome" (featuring Big Boi) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |- | "Body Rock" |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=1|''Got Purp? Vol. 2'' |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2006 | "That's Life" |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=1|''I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind'' |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2008 | "2 Sides" (featuring Shawty Lo) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=1|''I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II'' |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2009 | "Imma Fool Wit It" (featuring Big Kuntry King) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=1|''Underground Atlanta'' |- |align="center" rowspan=1|2010 | "Ready Set Go" (featuring T.I.) |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |rowspan=1|''PL3DGE'' |- |}

Mixtapes

Bang x3 available for free download (2011)

The Killer hosted by DJ Sense (2006)

Trackstar the DJ & The Smoking Section present Anger & Ambition: The Best of Killer Mike (2009)

Guest Appearances

Chiddy Bang - Neighborhood (featuring Killer Mike)

DJ Clue - "Funkanella" (OutKast, Killer Mike, and Slimm Calhoun)

AK of (P$C) - "Razor Chop" (featuring Killer Mike) (prod. by Ribah)

DarkBrown & Dru - "Ridin' Chevy's" (featuring Killer Mike)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Kryptonite (I'm On It)" (featuring Big Boi, Blackowned C-Bone, Killer Mike, and Rock D)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Body Rock" (featuring Lil' Co, Killer Mike, and Donkey Boy)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "My Chrome" (featuring Big Boi & Killer Mike)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Claremont Lounge" (featuring Bubba Sparxx, Killer Mike, and Cool Breeze)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Ain't No Love" (Killer Mike freestyle)

Purple Ribbon All-Stars - "Kryptonite (Remix)" (featuring Big Boi, Lil Wayne, Bubba Sparxxx, Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, & Killer Mike)

Bone Crusher - "It's On" (featuring Killer Mike & Trick Daddy)

Bone Crusher - "Never Scared" (featuring Killer Mike & T.I.)

Bubba Sparxxx - "Miss New Booty (Remix)" (featuring Big Boi & Killer Mike)

Bubba Sparxxx - "Sinners" (feauring Killer Mike, Bone Crusher & David Banner)

Kool G Rap - "Real OGs" - (Featuring Killer Mike & Bun B)

Jay-Z - "Poppin' Tags" (featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike & Twista)

Chamillionaire - "Southern Takeover" (featuring Pastor Troy & Killer Mike)

Talib Kweli - "Tryin' to Breathe" (featuring Midi Mafia & Killer Mike)

Lil' Jon - "Back Off Now" (featuring Killer Mike & Papa Roach)

Lil' Jon - "Da Jump Off" (featuring Killer Mike & 404 Soldierz)

8 Ball & MJG - "Runnin Out of Bud" (featuring Killer Mike)

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters Colon the Soundtrack - "Blam Blam"

Jagged Edge - "Pour Out A Little Liquor" (featuring Killer Mike & Sosa)

Paul Wall - "Dat's What Dat Is" (featuring Bun B, Killer Mike & H.A.W.K.)

Youngbloodz - "Hustle" (featuring Killer Mike)

Gucci Mane - "Black Tee (Remix)" (featuring Killer Mike, Jody Breeze, Bun B, Lil Scrappy, & Young Jeezy)

No Doubt - "Hey Baby (Remix)" (featuring Outkast & Killer Mike)

Ying Yang Twins - "What The F***!" (featuring Killer Mike & Bone Crusher)

Ras Kass - "Put Ya Glass Out" (featuring Killer Mike)

Lil Flip - "We Ain't Playin" (featuring Killer Mike, Baby D, & Pastor Troy)

Da Backwudz - "Gettin 2 It"

DJ Kay Slay - "Coast 2 Coast Gangstas" (featuring Sauce Money, Killer Mike, Bun B, WC, Joe Budden & Hak Ditty)

Roccett - "LA 2 ATL" (featuring Killer Mike)

BPT - "Dragon Ballin" (featuring Killer Mike)

Balboa - "Hard" (featuring Akon, Killer Mike & Jody Breeze)

Kavious - "In The Yo" (featuring Killer Mike)

M.O.P. - "Push Back" (featuring Killer Mike)

Young Buck - "Welcome To The South (Remix)" (featuring Bun B, Killer Mike & David Banner)

Stat Quo - "More Problems" (featuring Killer Mike)

Big Boi - "Oh No" (featuring Killer Mike & Bubba Sparxxx)

SL Jones - "Superhead" (featuring Killer Mike, Gangsta Boo & Nario)

Sly & The Family Stone - "Runnin Away" (featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike & Sleepy Brown)

Trina - "Look Back At Me" (featuring Killer Mike)

Bun B- "Some Hoes" (featuring Chino XL, Killer Mike & Bulletproof)

Rehab - "Sleeping Giant" (Feat. Killer Mike)

Chamillionaire - "Never" (Killer Mike Freestyle from Mixtape Messiah 4)

Bobby Ray - "Say What You Want" (featuring Playboy Tre from B.o.B vs Bobby Ray Mixtape)

Cunninlynguists - "Georgia (Remix)" (Feat. Killer Mike & Khujo Goodie)

XV - "May The Force Be With You" (Feat. Killer Mike & Mac Miller) Prod by Seven

References

External links

Category:African American rappers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Dungeon Family Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Living people Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:1975 births

ca:Killer Mike de:Killer Mike es:Killer Mike

Name	Young Jeezy
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jay Wayne Jenkins
Alias	Lil J
Birth date	October 12, 1977
Birth place	Columbia, South Carolina
Death date	|origin Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, songwriter
Years active	2001–present
Label	CTE World/Def Jam, Def Jam South
Associated acts	USDA, T.I., Gucci Mane
Website	http://youngjeezy.defjam.com

Jay Wayne Jenkins (born October 12, 1977), 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

Jay Wayne Jenkins was born in Columbia, South Carolina and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia when he was a toddler. Because his parents were separated, custody of him transferred between family members frequently. At one point, he lived with his grandmother in Hawkinsville, Georgia. 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.

Music career

Independent debut

Jeezy released his first independent album, ''Thuggin' Under the Influence (T.U.I.)'', in 2001 under the name Lil J. 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.

''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. Stewart "fell in love with it [the demo] the first time [he] heard it" and took it to L.A. Reid. Reid recognised the talent and gave Stewart the green light to sign him. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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. Maintaining his street credibility, according to Jeezy, is of the utmost concern to him as an artist. In 2005, Jeezy was featured in several popular hip hop songs including Gucci Mane's "Icy" 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.

''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.

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.

''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''.

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." Jeezy and Jay-Z performed in a concert to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 18, 2009. On ''The O'Reilly Factor'', commentator Bill O'Reilly criticized their performance as a "rant that offended people", 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."

''Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition'' (2011-present)

Jeezy is working on ''Thug Motivation 103'', his latest LP, as of November 2009. In March 2010, it was reported that Young Jeezy dropped "Young" from his stage name. Later, Young Jeezy denied the name change and claimed it was just a rumor: 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. 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. However the album was pushed back yet again, this time to December 20, 2011. On September 29, 2011, Young Jeezy released the third single off TM103, named "F.A.M.E. (Fake Ass Mothafu*kas Envy)", featuring T.I. This is the first official song T.I. was featured on since his latest stint in prison.

Personal life

He is a personal friend of fellow Atlanta rapper Yung Joc. 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.

On March 11, 2005, Jeezy was arrested after an alleged shooting involving some of his friends in Miami Beach, Florida. 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. In the early hours of September 29, 2007, Jeezy totaled his Lamborghini when it was hit by a taxi crossing Peachtree Street, outside of Justin's, Sean Combs’ restaurant in Atlanta. The ''Atlanta Journal Constitution'' reported his claim that this gave him "a new appreciation for life". In Atlanta on June 18, 2008, police arrested him for DUI.

Discography

;Studio albums

2005: ''Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101''

2006: ''The Inspiration''

2008: ''The Recession''

2011: ''Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition''

Filmography

2009: ''Janky Promoters''

Awards

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]

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]

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]

2008, People's Champ Award ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated]

2006, Hip-Hop CD of the Year ("Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101") [Nominated]

2006, Hip-Hop MVP of the Year [Nominated]

Grammy Awards

2009, Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group ("Put On") with Kanye West [Nominated]

*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

*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

External links

Official website

Young Jeezy Interview at prefixmag

Young Jeezy Circulate Music Video

Young Jeezy Talks About Nas

Category:1977 births Category:Living people Category:Crips Category:African American rappers Category:American music industry executives Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Rappers from South Carolina Category:Musicians from South Carolina Category:People convicted of drug offenses Category:People from Columbia, South Carolina Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:Pseudonymous rappers

cs:Young Jeezy de:Jeezy es:Young Jeezy fr:Young Jeezy ko:� 지지 hr:Young Jeezy it:Young Jeezy nl:Young Jeezy ja:ヤング・ジージー no:Young Jeezy pl:Young Jeezy pt:Young Jeezy ru:Young Jeezy simple:Young Jeezy fi:Young Jeezy sv:Jeezy tr:Young Jeezy zh:��·詹金斯

Nigahiga is a YouTube channel created by Japanese-American Ryan Higa. Since relocating to Las Vegas to study filmmaking at UNLV, Higa's videos are either solo efforts or videos with other people such as KevJumba. They are known for their YouTube comedy videos, which have been viewed over 930 million times. As of August 2011, Higa's YouTube channel, nigahiga, has over 4.3 million subscribers, and is the second most subscribed YouTube channel of all time, surpassed only by RayWilliamJohnson.

Content

Ryan Higa and Sean Fujiyoshi started posting YouTube videos of themselves lip-synching to songs in mid 2006 while attending Waiakea High School. They quickly expanded beyond songs, with a variety of other comedic pieces. Occasional guest appearances are made by Tim Enos, Ryan Villaruel, Kyle Chun, and Tarynn Nago, collectively known as the "Yabo Crew".

On Christmas Eve of 2008, Higa and Fujiyoshi's two most popular videos, ''How To Be Gangster'' and ''How To Be Emo'', were removed due to copyright violations. On January 21, 2009, nigahiga's account was temporarily suspended and he was told to remove more copyrighted videos. Because of this, nigahiga's lip synching videos were all removed (with the exception of ''You're Beautiful'', which was audio swapped), and so were most of his videos that include copyrighted music. As of now, all the music that is being played in nigahiga's videos is music Higa composed himself. ''How to be Gangster'' and ''How to be Emo'' were put back on nigahiga's channel in late August 2009, only to be removed a few days later, along with ''How to be Ninja'' and ''How to be Nerd''. In spring 2010, ''How to be Ninja'', ''How to be Gangster'' and ''How to be Emo'' were made public once more. He created a second channel recently, where he posts video blogs and behind the scenes movies. His second account is under the name of "HigaTV".

Films

In 2008, Los Angeles producer Richard Van Vleet offered to help them create their first feature-length film. The resulting film, ''Ryan and Sean's Not So Excellent Adventure'', was directed by Richard Van Vleet and released on November 14, 2008. It was shown in sold out theaters in Hawaii and California. The DVD was released on July 14, 2009 in the USA.

''Ryan and Sean's Not So Excellent Adventure'' is about a down on his luck movie producer, played by Michael Buckley, who is seeking out famous celebrities in order to make a hit movie in 30 days or risk being fired. He chooses Ryan Higa and Sean Fujiyoshi after discovering the popularity of their YouTube videos. He invites them to Hollywood to make a movie. They accept the offer, and run into some amusing situations on the way.

''Ninja Melk'', a 26 minute short film about ninjas, was released in August 2009. The plot revolves around a ninja master named Master Ching Ching sending his student Lapchung (played by Bryson Murata) to find a replacement, finding Ryan and Sean to catch the evil Bokchoy (played by Tim Enos) and his henchwoman, Gina (played by Tarynn Nago).

A new independent 35 minute film he created with Wong Fu Productions called "Agents of Secret Stuff" was uploaded on Ryan's channel on November 24, 2010. It features some other popular YouTube users as well as actors such as Aki Aleong. "Agents of Secret Stuff" is about a teenage A.S.S. (Agent of Secret Stuff) (Higa) who is sent undercover to a high school to protect one of the students, a girl named Taylor (Arden Cho) from the A.S.S.'s enemy, the S.I.N.S (Society Involving Not-So-Good Stuff). It included guest appearances from Ian and Anthony of Smosh, KassemG and Hiimrawn.

Ryan Higa's and Sean Fujiyoshi's YouTube channel, nigahiga, was created on July 20, 2006. By December 21, 2010, it had reached 3,000,000 subscribers, the first channel to do so. By August 2011, their videos had been viewed over 930 million times.

Music

Ryan has released four comedic singles onto YouTube and iTunes along with Kevjumba, JRaquino, Chester See and David Choi. They are called "Shed a Tear", "I'm Hardcore", "Like a Good Boy" and "Nice Guys". Nice Guys reached the top of the iTunes charts in the comedy category. He also parodied Justin Bieber's hit single "Never Say Never" in a video called "Daily Life of Rustin Hieber," a music video in which he sings "Sometimes Say Never." In an "Off The Pill" he made a parody of Rebecca Black's "Friday", though it is seven seconds long. He was also featured in Adam Zhou's guitar video on youtube.

Videography

;Advertisement spoofs

''The iPod Human''

''The ShamWOOHOO!''

''ChildrensBop!''

''The Portobello Mushroom Burger''

''The Big Bouncing Inflatable Green Ball!''

''Hook on Fonik''

''I broke my Nexus One!''

''The Snuggo''

''The iNavigator''

''TEEHEE Band''

;Dear Ryan

''Dear Ryan - Defeating a Ninja''

''Dear Ryan - Superhero''

''Dear Ryan - Makeup Guru''

''Dear Ryan - Basketball-Tubing Weather Lamp''

''Dear Ryan - Are you a liar?''

''Dear Ryan - Extreme''

;"How to be" series

''How to be Ninja''

''How to be Gangster''

''How to be Emo''

''How to be Nerd'' (private)

''How to be UFC Fighter'' (private)

''How to be at the Premiere''

''How to be a YouTube Celebrity''

;Lip-synced songs

''You're Beautiful'' (audio swapped, replaced with Bring Me To Life)

''Circle Circle Dot Dot'' (private)

''I'm a Gangster'' (private)

''Wannabe'' (private)

''Fergalicious'' (private)

''Savin' Me'' (private)

''My Heart Will Go On'' (private)

''Destiny's Angels'' (private)

''Milk and Cereal'' (private)

''Numa Numa'' (private)

''Irreplaceable'' (private)

''London Bridges'' (private)

''Barbie Girl'' (private)

''I Love Them Hoes'' (private)

''Promiscuous'' (private)

''I Just Want You To Know'' (private)

''Sukiyaki'' (private)

;Movies in Minutes series

''Movies In Minutes - Titanic''

''Movies In Minutes - The Grudge''

''Movies In Minutes - Twilight''

''Movies In Minutes - Harry Potter''

''Movies In Minutes - X-Men Origins: Wolverine''

''Movies In Minutes - Transformers: Revenge of the Household Objects''

''Movies In Minutes - Saw 12''

''Movies In Minutes - New Moon'' (Twilight: New Moon)

''Movies In Minutes - Facebook the Movie''

''Movies In Minutes - Final Destination''

;Nigahiga songs

''Asian Boy - Yank Dat Cameltoe''

''Sorry Fans, Blame My ADD'' (Sorry, Blame it on Me)

''So Damn Stupid!'' (YAHHH!)

''Asian Boy - I Miss You Soulja Boy'' (Better in Time)

''The Ninja Glare'' (In the Ayer)

''Tweet Whore''

''I'm a Chingstah!'' (I'm a Gangster)

''Like a Good Boy'' (Like A G6)

''Shed a Tear'' (Rocketeer) (featuring Chester See and KevJumba)

''I'm Hardcore'' (featuring David Choi and JR Aquino)

''Nice Guys'' (featuring Chester See and KevJumba)

;Best Crew

''Best Dance Crew'' (Ft Victor Kim Quest Crew)

''BEST CREW vs POREOTICS''

''BEST CREW -The Audition'' (Ft Pacman and Moon from I.aM.mE)

;Ninja Melk

''Ninja Melk Preview''

''Ninja Melk Trailer''

''Ninja Melk''

;Off the Pill

''Off The Pill - Stink People''

''Off The Pill - Farts''

''Off The Pill - Nosy People''

''Off The Pill - 2009''

''Off The Pill - BIEBER FEVER''

''Off The Pill - Weird People''

''Off The Pill - Rebecca Black (Friday)''

''Off The Pill - Arrogant People''

''Off the Pill - Feminist''

;Rants

''Ranting about Music'' (private)

''Rant on Liars'' (private)

''Rant on Comments'' (private)

''Rant on Nosy People'' (private)

''Rant on Stink People'' (private)

''Rant on ADD'' (private)

''Violence'' (private)

''Rant on Asian Dramas''

''Rant on Music (Remade)''

;Ryan and Sean's Not So Excellent Adventure

''The Super Secret!''

''Ryan and Sean's NSEA''

;Skitzo

''Skitzo - Introductions''

''Skitzo - The Halloween Story''

''Skitzo - The PSA''

''Skitzo - Valentine's Day''

''Skitzo - Despicable Me''

''Skitzo - Reunited''

;TV Program Spoofs

''Mind Geek'' (Mind Freak) (private)

''House''

''Dude vs. Wild â€“ The Desert'' (Man vs. Wild)

;The Ryan Higa Show

''The Ryan Higa Show: Helga Fawntinilla'' (private)

''The Ryan Higa Show: Milo Ventimiglia''

;Word of the Day

''Word of the Day – Pwned''

''Word of the Day – Bromance'' (featuring Jay Park)

;Agents of Secret Stuff

''NEW NIGAHIGA MOVIE (TEASER)''

''Agents of Secret Stuff Trailer (Official)''

''Agents of Secret Stuff''

;Million Subscribers Celebrations

''1,000,000 Subscribers''

''2,000,000 Subscribers!''

''3,000,000 Subscribers!''

''4,000,000 Subscribers!''

;Fundraisers

''Honk For Japan''

;Daily Life of

''Daily Life of Rustin Hieber''

''Daily Life of NinjaHinja''

;HigaTV

''Australia Trip''

''Freedumb''

''Nice Guys (BEHIND THE SCENES)''

''Tag Your Green!''

''Canada Trip''

''4 Guys 1 Car'' (Original) (removed)

''4 Guys 1 Car'' (Remade)

''Vidcon and ISA''

''Marley and Me''

;Other

''Adjusting the Sails'' (private)

''The Number 21'' (private)

''Beautiful Girls [Ghetto Style]'' (private)

''Munky Tag'' (private)

''The Stalking Mangina Preview''

''Subliminal Messaging'' (private)

''Hilo Puppets''

''Romantic Valentines Day Story''

''Vote for REVO''

''A Message to All Haters''

''Sean Returns!''

''YouTube Live – WTH is a VLog''

''Thanksgving Campaign'' (removed)

''Copyrighted''

''Nigahiga Tee-Shirts'' (private)

''Why Chris Brown Beat Rihanna''

''Will Ferrell Calling me out?'' (private)

''I wanna play a game'' (private)

''braces?!'' (private)

''Things I Like'' (private)

''REVO'' (private)

''sponsored'' (private)

''5 Nigahiga facts'' (private)

''Asians Wrestle'' (private)

''FedUp''

''Royal Wedding Reaction Video''

''The Announcement''

''Clubs Sicken Me!''

References

Television

Supah Ninjas

External links

Official Site www.HigaTV.com

Official homepage of ''Ryan and Sean's Not So Excellent Adventure''

Category:Living people Category:American Internet personalities Category:American people of Japanese descent Category:1990 births Category:Internet memes

da:Nigahiga eo:Nigahiga fr:Nigahiga ja:ライアン・ヒガ fi:Nigahiga sv:Nigahiga zh:NigaHiga