Jeezy on Trauma, Fame, Prison, Tupac & Becoming a Man | NXT Chapter With T.D. Jakes

In one of the most revealing conversations of The Next Chapter , Bishop T.D. Jakes sits down with multiplatinum rapper, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and cultural icon Jeezy for a raw, emotional, and unfiltered journey through pain, purpose, healing, and growth. From the streets of Georgia to international tours with Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West, Jeezy opens up like never before about the moments that shaped him — and the battles he had to survive to become the man he is today. Jeezy shares intimate stories from childhood: living in Japan and Hawaii, adjusting to life in Georgia, and navigating trauma while trying to provide for his family at just 14 years old. He reflects on the loss of friends, witnessing violence firsthand, and learning to compartmentalize emotions just to stay alive. He reveals how international travel, sushi nights, and unexpected mentors helped plant the seeds of the businessman he would eventually become. Bishop Jakes and Jeezy unpack mental health, leadership, introversion, and the pressure of being a public figure. They discuss his mother’s battle with dementia, caring for her through her final days, and carrying grief without guilt. He opens up about addiction in his family, his complicated relationship with his father, and the healing that came only when he learned to extend grace — both to them and to himself. Jeezy also breaks down the business behind the music: financial literacy, losing millions, owning real estate, and the difference between depreciating assets like Lamborghinis and wealth-building assets that create generational freedom. Bishop Jakes shares wisdom about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of having a team that challenges you, not just agrees with you. From nearly losing his voice, to battling Bell’s palsy at the height of his career, to surviving the darkest moments of his life — Jeezy explains how pain became purpose, how faith carried him, and how he transformed from street legend to industry mogul. Along the way they touch on appearances from Barack Obama, the influence of Tupac Shakur, and lessons learned performing alongside the biggest artists in the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.