Jeezy And DJ Drama Look Back At ‘Trap Or Die’ 10 Years Later

Back in 2004, a fresh-faced Young Jeezy caught the attention of hip-hop fans as a featured guest on Gucci Mane's single "Icy." But what really catapulted him into the major rapper he is today was his breakout sophomore mixtape Trap Or Die in January 2005. Trap Or Die was a colossal tape, turning around the Snowman's life completely and taking him from the life of an underground street rapper hustling through the trap in Atlanta to an MC that was in national spotlight. The street narratives put on wax from the tape were stirring and raw, while the accompanying Trap Or Die DVD brought viewers into the life of the ATL rapper's origins.

The tape included guest spots from hip-hop heavyweights such as Bun B, Mannie Fresh, a young Yo Gotti and Fabolous. But not only was the free project highly influential to Jeezy's career but it was also a major stepping stone for the host of the tape, DJ Drama. Drama's iconic Gangsta Grillz mixtape series took off after Trap Or Die was released, having spawned dozens of collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne, T.I., Young Buck, Gucci Mane, Meek Mill, Fabolous, 2 Chainz, Jadakiss and Lil Durk, among others.

With the 10th anniversary of Trap Or Die this month, XXL spoke to Jeezy and DJ Drama about making the tape in 2005 and how Trap Or Die impacted their careers. —Emmanuel C.M.