Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101

“Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101” is the major-label debut and third studio album overall by Jeezy, then recording as Young Jeezy, released on July 26, 2005, through Def Jam Recordings and his Corporate Thugz Entertainment imprint.

The story

Recorded in Atlanta during 2004 and 2005 at Dirty South Studios, PatchWerk Recording Studios and Stankonia, the album arrived after Jeezy had built a street following through independent releases and mixtapes. Four singles supported it: “And Then What” featuring Mannie Fresh, “Soul Survivor” featuring Akon, “Go Crazy” featuring Jay-Z, and “My Hood.”

Sound and production

Shawty Redd supplied a core of the beats, alongside contributions from J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Midnight Black, Akon, Lil’ C, Jazze Pha, Mr. Collipark, Don Cannon, Mannie Fresh, Drumma Boy and others. Dark synths, booming 808s and Jeezy’s raspy, motivational ad-lib-heavy delivery define the 19-track, roughly 78-minute set.

Legacy

The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 with about 172,000 copies sold in its first week and topped both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. It has since been certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Critics have described it as a peak statement of trap rap, and its sound and themes became a blueprint for a wave of Southern rappers who followed.

Released July 26, 2005. More from hip hop in 2005.