Jeezy has always spoke to the streets, but he took a more elegant approach while celebrating the 20th anniversary of “TM101: Thug Motivation.” With the Color of Noize orchestra providing a classical feel to Trap music anthems, Jeezy took the exquisitely-dressed audience at the Fox Theater to another level while paying homage to his classic debut.
Dressed in a red tux, Jeezy entered the stage with the theatrical “Standing Ovation” before transitioning to “Hands in the Hair.” He gave a shout out to Club Visions, a popular Atlanta nightspot in the early 2000s, which played a pivotal role in hosting the mixtape release of his acclaimed project “Trap or Die.” Jeezy would take it back to the era by performing “The Realest,” “Air Forces,” “Trap or Die,” and “Peace Up.”
The first act concluded with a montage of Jeezy’s tribulations displayed on a large screen as Patti LaBelle’s “Somebody Loves You Baby” played throughout the theater.
Jeezy returned by delving into a slew of hits such as “She Likes It,” and “And Then What.” Akon, wearing a white tux, joined Jeezy on stage as the two performed “Soul Survivor.”
During a second montage, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played as visuals of Jeezy’s achievements were shown such as receiving awards, platinum plaques, and collaborations with key figures throughout his career.
In the final act, Jeezy shed the red tux and returned wearing a black signature Snowman shirt, taking the theater to another level with performances of Shawty Lo’s “They Know” remix rapping, “I’m in my cool whip inside Jello!” He also performed his verse on Fabo’s “Spaceships on Bankhead,” his street duet with Bankroll Fresh “All There,” and “Super Freak.”
Jeezy would close the show with one of Atlanta’s theme songs, “Put On.”
Overall, Jeezy proved that he can mix the grittiness of Trap music with a touch of classical music while celebrating the legacy of “TM101.”
