Jeezy: Overcoming Trauma, Escaping the Streets and Working w/Jay Z, Kanye & Rihanna

Added: Aug 7, 2023

Jeezy explains that he found acceptance and a sense of belonging in the streets, which led him to engage in illegal activities. However, he also realized that this lifestyle was not sustainable and that he needed to make a change. He describes the skills he learned in the streets, such as discipline, problem-solving, and the ability to create opportunities for himself. The rapper emphasizes the importance of having a vision and working towards it. He believes that success is not just about money, but about finding peace and fulfillment in one's life. Jeezy shares that he had to give himself permission to evolve and grow, even if it meant leaving behind his old surroundings and relationships. Jeezy discusses the challenges he faced in the music industry and the adversity he encountered along the way. He talks about the darkness and failures that people don't see behind the success and fame. He believes that it is the failures that provide the most valuable lessons and insights on how to be successful. The rapper also opens up about his struggles with depression, anxiety, and survivor's guilt. He shares that he used to cope with these feelings by drinking excessively and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. However, he eventually realized that he needed to take care of himself and make positive changes in his life. Jeezy credits his mentors, such as Bishop T.D. Jakes and John Maxwell, for helping him find peace and navigate through his challenges. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with quality people and seeking guidance from those who have achieved success in their own lives. The rapper also discusses the importance of integrity and keeping one's word. He believes that trust is crucial, especially in the streets, where the consequences of betrayal can be severe. Jeezy acknowledges that he has a hard time trusting people, but he has learned to surround himself with quality individuals who share his vision and values. Jeezy shares that he finds peace in knowing that he is a good father, husband, and friend. He believes that success is about making a positive impact on others and leaving a legacy. He also finds peace in having access to mentors and being able to process his emotions and thoughts with them. Jeezy continues by discussing his collaboration with Rihanna and the lesson he learned from her. He admires her ability to be a star while maintaining a sense of mystery and scarcity. He emphasizes the importance of being selective about when and how one presents themselves to the world, as it builds star power. Next, Jeezy talks about his experience working with Kanye West. He admires Kanye's unwavering commitment to his art and his refusal to compromise it for money or popularity. Jeezy shares that he, too, values his artistic integrity and would never do something he doesn't believe in, regardless of the financial gain. Moving on, Jeezy discusses his interactions with Jay-Z. He admires Jay-Z's ability to stay true to himself and his roots, never compromising his identity or integrity for anyone. Jeezy emphasizes the importance of remembering who you are and where you came from, and not allowing external influences to change that. Jeezy then shares three important life lessons he would leave behind if he could only share three things with the world. The first lesson is that karma is real. He reflects on the mistakes he has made in the past and how he has paid the price for them. He encourages others to do right by themselves and others, as karma will catch up with them eventually. The second lesson Jeezy shares is that it is never too late to turn things around. No matter how old or how dire the situation may seem, one can always start making positive changes and work towards a better future. The third and final lesson Jeezy imparts is the importance of evolving. He believes that if one is not evolving, they are not truly living. He emphasizes the need to constantly grow and improve oneself, even if it means letting go of certain things or facing challenges along the way. Jeezy believes that evolving is essential for a fulfilling and impactful life.