Happy Birthday, Troy Ave!

Today, Nov. 23, is the 33rd birthday of Brooklyn-born rapper Troy Ave.

Borrowing his rap moniker from one of the most famous streets in Brooklyn, N.Y., Troy Ave has become synonymous with the borough that raised him ten times over. After dropping his debut studio album in 2013, New York City: The Album, Troy caught the ear of big names in the industry. The young upstart had already worked with the likes of N.O.R.E, Prodigy and Pusha T when he earned himself a spot on the 2014 XXL Freshman List. His star continued to rise with catchy singles like "Doo Doo" and "She Belongs to the Game."

In 2015, Troy dropped his second album, Major Without a Deal  as well as the follow-up tape, Major Without a Deal: Reloaded. In 2016, Troy was caught up in one of the worst NYC concert shootings in recent memory. When gunfire broke out at Irving Plaza, one of Troy's BSB affiliates, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, was killed. Video soon surfaced of Troy shooting a gun in the VIP area of the venue. The MC was arrested and charged, and after serving a couple of months in prison, Troy Ave says he's a changed man.

Through the all of the hardships and restrictions, Troy has still managed to keep his head up and make music. Troy dropped his third album Rollin Collins in August of 2016, and in 2017, he put out a five projects: Dope Boy Troy, Nupac, Style 4 Free, Album of the Summer and White Christmas 5. 

Most recently, the "Smash on Em/Uhohhh" spitter was included among the "Most Popular XXL Freshman Cyphers of All Time," and dropped his latest album, More Money More Problems, on November 16.

Happy Birthday, Troy!

Here Are the Best Projects Released From 104 Past and Present XXL Freshmen