In 2001, rapper Jay Wayne Jenkins released an independent album under the Moniker "Lil J." He would change his moniker to Young Jeezy, and four years later in 2005 he landed a top 5 hit with "Soul Survivor." It's his most well-known song, and while Jeezy's solo work hasn't climbed that high in the charts since, he's been successful nonetheless. Collaborations with artists like Usher, Jay-Z, Drake, and Kanye West has led to countless musical award nominations for Jeezy. The Atlanta-based rapper has a rough voice that is distinct to the point where you could pick it out of a rap track that featured 20 artists (and some of them do). Combine that with his steady flow and real lyrics and it's easy to see why he's sought after for major tracks.

Young Jeezy performs Saturday, May 31, at the Main Street Armory, 900 E. Main Street. 8 p.m. $40-$75. Rochestermainstreetarmory.com

TREVOR LEWIS