22Gz

22Gz
22GZ's May 2017 mugshot
22GZ's May 2017 mugshot
Background information
Birth nameJeffrey Mark Alexander[1]
Also known as
  • TutuBlixky[2]
  • The Brooklyn Drill General[3]
  • TuTu Da General[4]
Born (1997-11-29) November 29, 1997 (age 27)
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
InstrumentVocals
Years active2015–present
LabelsBlixky Ent./Atlantic Foundation Media, LLC[6]

Jeffrey Mark Alexander[1] (November 29, 1997),[7] known professionally as 22Gz (/tutuˈdʒiːz/ too-too-JEEZ), is an American rapper credited as a pioneer of the Brooklyn drill scene.[3][8] 22Gz released his first major mixtape, The Blixky Tape, through Atlantic Records in 2019.

Early life

Jeffrey Mark Alexander was born on November 29, 1997, the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.[9] His father died before he was born.[10] He is of Guyanese descent.[11] He started his entertainment career on the New York City Subway performing showtime dance routines.[12]

Career

He started releasing songs on SoundCloud at the age of 17 in early 2015. After releasing the singles "Blixky" and "Suburban" in 2016, 22Gz gained a following from his YouTube videos. "Suburban", produced by London-based drill producer AXL Beats,[13] was regarded as one of the first major Brooklyn drill songs to become popular.[14][3][15] 22Gz gained attention, leading him to sign with Atlantic in 2018 and his label A&R helping him getting noticed by Kodak Black.[16][17][14] One of his first songs released on the label, "Spin the Block", was a collaboration track with Kodak Black.[18]

22Gz released his first mixtape with Atlantic, The Blixky Tape, in July 2019.[19] His follow-up mixtape Growth & Development was released on April 10, 2020, and was co-produced by London-based drill producer Ghosty.[20] Torsten Ingvaldsen of Hypebeast praised the mixtape, stating, 22Gz has "riotous energy, bringing forth aggressive lyrics and militant deliveries that continue to sculpt out his fast-paced rise".[5]

In 2014, he was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, however the charges were dropped.[14] 22Gz spent five months in jail in 2017 on second-degree murder charges related to a shooting in Miami, however these were later dropped.[21] 22Gz recorded a Facebook Live video from an NYPD holding cell in 2018.[22]

In 2019, Alexander, along with Casanova, Pop Smoke, Sheff G, and Don Q, was removed from the Rolling Loud concert. NYPD cited "a higher risk of violence" if the artists were to perform.[23]

On June 12, 2022, 22Gz was arrested in New York City on attempted murder charges over a March shooting in which three people were injured.[24] He was released on $500,000 bail four days later.[25]

Discography

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected details
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Heat.
The Blixky Tape —
Growth & Development
  • Released: April 10, 2020[27]
  • Label: Atlantic Records, WEA International
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
 12
[28]
The Blixky Tape 2
  • Released: March 19, 2021[29]
  • Label: Atlantic Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
 20
[30]
Growth & Development II
  • Released: January 12, 2024[31]
  • Label: Blixky Entertainment
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 —
Brooklyn's Most Wanted
  • Released: June 21, 2024[32]
  • Label: Blixky Entertainment
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 —

Extended plays

List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Extended play details
Year of the Blixky
  • Released: December 9, 2022[33]
  • Label: Atlantic Records
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles, showing year released and album name
Title Year Certifications Album
"At The Light"
(featuring Theo Zanotti) 		2015
"Blicky"
(featuring Nas Blixky & NiikoSuav) 		2016 Non-album singles
"Regular"
(featuring Theo Zanotti & Suavee Jew)
"Up Next!"
(featuring Breezo Blixky & Nas Blixky)[7]
"Suburban"[14]
"Vamanos"
(featuring Ju Laden & Theo Zanotti)[7] 		2017
"Ain't Livin My Life"
"We On"[34]
(featuring Nas Blixky)
"Invest in a Ratchet"[35]
(featuring Big Moose 280)
"First Day Out / Stuck in the Yams"[36]
"Why"[37] 2018
"Blicky Da Blicky"
"Got Those"[38]
"Spin the Block"[18]
(featuring Kodak Black)
"Spazz Out"[39]
(featuring PNV Jay & Leeky Bandz)
"Drifting"[40]
(AXL Beats, Khay B Flockin, Kush Binflockin, & Breezy Blixky) 		2019
"Sniper Gang (Freestyle)"[41] The Blixky Tape
"Rerock"[42]
(featuring Shawny Binladen) 		Non-album singles
"Telephone"[43]
(featuring MaxThaDemon & Ciggy Blacc)
"Suburban, Pt. 2"[44] Growth & Development
"No Questions"[5] 2020
"YTB (Yellow Tape Blixky)"[46]
(featuring Shawny Binladen & Big Yaya) 		Non-album singles
"Do The Most"[47]
(featuring PeeGunna)
"Movie"[48]
(Featuring CoachDaGhost)
List of singles, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Flexin"
(Khay B Flockin featuring 22GZ & Kush Binflockin) 		2016 Non-album singles
"Jet Li, Pt. 2"
(Nick Blixky featuring 22GZ)[49] 		2018
"Drive the Boat"
(Nick Blixky featuring 22GZ & Nas Blixky)[50] 		2019
"Upset"
(T'up Ty featuring 22GZ)[51] 		Excuse the Way I Came Up
"Faded Remix"
(B1 featuring 22GZ, Ivorian Doll and Dezzie)[52] 		2021 Non-album single

Guest appearances

Title Year Other artists Album
"Flexin" 2016 Khay B Flockin, Kush Blixky Blixky
"The Get Back , Pt 1"[53] 2018 T'up Ty T'd Up, Vol. 1
"Sick of Us"[54] Envy Caine 2 Many Situations
"Wita Blixky"[55] 2019 C-Clip Beatz Rap & Beats
"Extra"[56] Rooga Back da Fuck Up
"Hoody Szn"[57] Nym Lo, 183rd, Casanova High Horse
"Up the Score"[58] 2020 Slayter, Maxo Kream World Got Me Fucked Up, Vol. 1

References

  1. ^ a b "ASCAP ACE Repertory information for 22GZ's works". American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  2. ^ Hensley, Nicole (May 30, 2017). "Brooklyn rapper arrested in Florida parking dispute killing". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Bijur, Ben (January 27, 2020). "22Gz Proves He's The Brooklyn Drill General In Funk Flex Freestyle". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "22Gz". Masquerade Atlanta. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Ingvaldsen, Torsten (April 10, 2020). "22Gz Invigorates His Drill Empire With New Mixtape 'Growth & Development'". Hypebeast. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  6. ^ "22Gz". atlanticrecords.com. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  7. ^ a b c Crone, David (2019). "22Gz". All Music. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  8. ^ Skelton, Eric. "How Brooklyn Drill Became the New Sound of New York". Complex.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  9. ^ "7 NYC RAPPERS THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR RADAR!". Hot97. July 25, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  10. ^ Saige Jones (2022-01-05). 22Gz Interview: Being Recognized In Jail, Growing Up Without A Dad, Why He Left NY + Freestyle. Retrieved 2024-10-20 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Reynolds, Mark (30 March 2022). "Lawsuit: Providence blocked rap artist's performance after resistance from police". The Providence Journal. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  12. ^ Seabrook III, Robby (February 22, 2020). "22Gz Wants You to Know He Started It All When It Comes to the Brooklyn Drill Movement". XXL Mag. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  13. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (January 30, 2020). "AXL Beats Is the London Rap Producer Bringing Brooklyn Drill to Drake and Travis Scott". Vice. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  14. ^ a b c d McKinney, Jessica (April 16, 2020). "22Gz, a Pioneer of Brooklyn Drill". Complex. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  15. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (August 4, 2017). "You're Not Paying Attention to New York's Most Exciting New Rap Scene". Vice. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  16. ^ Acevedo, Kai (August 22, 2019). "The Break Presents: 22Gz". XXL. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  17. ^ "Rappers to Watch in 2020". Complex. January 15, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Shokeye, Kyle (November 30, 2018). "Premiere: 22Gz and Kodak Black "Spin the Block" in New Video". Complex. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  19. ^ Zhang, Charlie (July 20, 2019). "22Gz Releases Highly-Anticipated Mixtape 'The Blixky Tape'". Hypebeast. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  20. ^ Mowatt, Robyn (2020). "Brooklyn Drill Rapper 22Gz Reigns Supreme On New Mixtape 'Growth & Development'". Okay Player. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  21. ^ Madan, Monique Q. (December 30, 2017). "He served time for murder he didn't commit — and the real shooter is dead, cops say". Miami Herald. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  22. ^ Tracy, Thomas; Annese, John (February 12, 2018). "Brooklyn cops may face questions over improper search after rapper's jail cell video (WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE)". NY Daily News. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  23. ^ Coscarelli, Joe (October 12, 2019). "5 Rappers not Dropped From New York Music Festival at Police Request". The New York Times. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  24. ^ Donahue, Bill (June 14, 2022). "Rapper 22Gz Arrested in NYC on Attempted Murder Charge". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  25. ^ Ivey, Justin (2022-06-17). "22Gz Released On Bail Following Arrest For Attempted Murder". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2022-07-04.
  26. ^ "The Blixky Tape". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  27. ^ "Growth & Development". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  28. ^ "Heatseekers Albums Chart: Week of April 24, 2020". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2021-06-04. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  29. ^ "The Blixky Tape 2 by 22Gz" – via music.apple.com.
  30. ^ "Heatseekers Albums Chart: Week of April 2, 2021". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2021-06-03. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  31. ^ "Spotify – 22Gz – Growth & Development II". Spotify. January 12, 2024.
  32. ^ "Spotify – 22Gz – Brooklyn's Most Wanted". Spotify. June 21, 2024.
  33. ^ "Year of the Blixky". iTunes. Retrieved December 15, 2022.
  34. ^ "22GZ Nas Blixky - We On". CDUniverse. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  35. ^ "Invest in a Ratchet - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  36. ^ "First Day Out / Stuck in the Yams - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  37. ^ "Why - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  38. ^ "Got Those - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  39. ^ "Spazz Out - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  40. ^ "Drifting - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  41. ^ "Sniper Gang (Freestyle) - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  42. ^ "Rerock - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  43. ^ "Telephone - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  44. ^ "Suburban, Pt. 2 - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  45. ^ "Gold & Platinum: 22Gz". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on 2021-11-12. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  46. ^ "YTB (Yellow Tape Blixky) [feat. Shawny Binladen & Big Yaya] - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  47. ^ "Movie - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  48. ^ "Movie - Single". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  49. ^ "Jet Li, Pt. 2 (feat. 22GZ)". iTunes. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  50. ^ Threadcraft, Torry (2020). "Up-And-Coming Brooklyn Rapper Nick Blixky Shot And Killed At 21". Okay Player. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  51. ^ "Upset (feat. 22GZ) [Explicit]". Amazon. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  52. ^ W, Courtney (2 December 2021). "Premiere: B1 Returns With Hard 'Faded' Remix Featuring Dezzie, Ivorian Doll & 22GZ". grmdaily.com. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
  53. ^ "T'd Up, Vol. 1". iTunes. 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  54. ^ "2 Many Situations". iTunes. 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  55. ^ "Rap & Beats". Deezer. 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  56. ^ "Back da Fuck Up". Amazon. 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  57. ^ "High Horse - EP". iTunes. 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  58. ^ "World Got Me Fucked Up, Vol. 1". Beatport. 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2020.