Grammy-nominated artist Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins is celebrating a major milestone. His major label debut, “Thug Motivation 101,” is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
He’s been on the road celebrating this achievement with a unique experience for fans – performing his hits with a live orchestra! It’s also sold out in every city.
“Everybody came out. It was a black-tie event,” he gushed to Melvin Robert on the KTLA 5 Morning News. “It was great for culture. You know, where I come from, we only wear suits to funerals and in court. This is a celebration of 20 years. So I love to see my people dressed up to the nines and celebrating 20 years of greatness, not just an album, but 20 years of them.”
His longevity and success decades later have shown him the benefits of trusting his instincts.
“It shows you, when you stick to your gut, you stick to who you are and you’re unapologetically you and you stay in line with integrity, it all comes back around 20 years later,” he explained.
The orchestra element is the first of its kind. He’s working with the Color Of Noize Orchestra, Adam Blackstone and Derek Hodge.
“We made history together,” he touted.
This isn’t the first time he and Blackstone collaborated. They worked together on a symphonic version of “Thug Motivation 101,” which is available for fans to listen to in the comfort of their own home.
If there’s one thing about Jeezy, he keeps pushing the envelope.
He’s taking the show to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas for a residency of two different sets of shows, which he refers to as tiers.
“The Masquerade” is the first tier, which takes place on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and is described as a “fall-themed spectacular.” He then returns for the second tier in December for the winter-themed “Nutcracker,” which takes place on Dec. 19 and 21.
The shows also include a 101-piece orchestra paying homage to “Thug Motivation 101.”
“We’re about making history and pushing culture,” he said.
While many have preconceived notions about going to an orchestra, Jeezy assured, “it’s a party.”
“This is not a show. This is not a rap concert. This is an experience,” he advised fans. “So put on your black tie and your evening gowns, and let’s have a great time. Let’s have some fun.”
He also revealed just why he decided to head to Sin City.
“This is actually for the West Coast,” he explained. “I didn’t come anywhere near the West Coast on this tour, and I wanted to set up somewhere stable so that we can bring the 101-piece orchestra for the West Coast. Anybody else is welcome, but this is the West Coast show. I’m talking to the Bay Area, I’m talking Northern California, Southern California. I mean, wherever you at on the West Coast, Denver, Seattle.”
Alongside the residency comes new music.
He’s releasing his new album “Still Snowin’” on his birthday, Sept. 28, which is a new Gangsta Grillz collaboration with DJ Drama, a longtime collaborator.
The “Soul Survivor” rapper will be doing a live Instagram release for the project too.
“Anybody who knows me and Drama’s history, we started off selling mixtapes together. That’s how I got here, and this is to celebrate 20 years as well.”
He called it a “birthday present” to himself.
The best-selling author also noted how rare it is for an artist to release an album on a Sunday.
“That’s why I tell kids, stay independent and stay you, because nobody’s ever dropped that album on a Sunday,” he said.
For tickets to Jeezy’s “TM: 101 Live- The Masquerade” and “TM: 101 Live- The Nutcracker” head here.
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