Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins, the Atlanta superstar, delivered a captivating Tiny Desk Concert, staying true to his message of motivation and inspiration throughout his two-decade career.
During the intimate concert, Jeezy focused on the early chapters of his career, emphasizing his ability to connect with his audience through shared experiences and language. He expressed his desire to inspire and provide a blueprint for those seeking more for themselves, setting the stage for a powerful performance.
Despite his numerous hits, Jeezy’s music goes beyond surface-level appeal, as reflected in the titles of his Thug Motivation albums. His commitment to motivating and empowering others extends beyond music, as evidenced by his success as an investor and author. His memoir, ‘Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe,’ even secured a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
For the Tiny Desk Concert, Jeezy enlisted the expertise of bassist D. Hodge, along with a talented band that breathed new life into his catalog. The addition of a string section, featuring viola player Lelia-Michelle Walker and NPR’s own Ashley Pointer on violin, added a touch of opulence to the gritty street anthems. Jeezy’s performance also included a heartfelt dedication to Pointer and a show of appreciation for the Howard University students in attendance, making it a celebration of Black History.
The set list for the concert featured a powerful lineup of tracks, including ‘Standing Ovation,’ ‘Air Forces,’ ‘Bottom Of The Map,’ ‘And Then What,’ ‘Go Crazy,’ and ‘Everythang,’ showcasing the depth and diversity of Jeezy’s musical repertoire.
The concert’s lineup of talented musicians included Jeezy on lead vocals, D. Hodge on bass and musical direction, CJ Thompson on drums, Joe Harley on keys, Ashley Pointer on violin, Lelia-Michelle Walker on viola, Dr. Amyr Joyner on violin, and Johnny Walker on cello.
The Tiny Desk Concert team, consisting of dedicated professionals including producer Bobby Carter and director/editor Joshua Bryant, played a crucial role in bringing Jeezy’s performance to life. The concert was a testament to Jeezy’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his ability to inspire and uplift through his music.
