Today In Hip Hop: Young Jeezy Releases ‘Trap Or Die’

On this day, Jan. 5, in hip hop history...

2005: Ten years ago today, Young Jeezy released Trap Or Die, a project that would forever change his career and ultimately serve as a street anthem mixtape around the world. The DJ Drama/Gangsta Grillz produced mixtape featured 26 tracks with a plethora of collaborations including Fabolous, Yo Gotti, T.I., Bun B, USDA, Slick Pulla, Jody Breeze, Bleu DaVinci, Gucci Mane, Boo, and All Star. XXL ranked Trap or Die as Jeezy's best and most promising mixtape, saying it "gave out-of-town listeners a crash course in Dixie strip club culture via utilitarian bangers like “Get Ya Mind Right” and “Grey Goose.”

Not only did Jeezy declare his rightful spot in the street life but he also proved his past trap credentials were nothing to joke around about. At this time Atlanta hip-hop was still on the rise with artists like T.I. and Ludacris, but Trap Or Die helped give Jeezy the push needed to make his distinctive rap style and iconic "yeahhhhh" ad-libs a household name. With singles from the project still being blasted in cars and clubs today, there's no second guessing the impact Jeezy's mixtape had on music and hip-hop culture.

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