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Hip-hop icon Jeezy was awarded a Guinness World Records title.
Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins, 48, made history and received a Guinness World Record for the largest orchestra for a hip-hop concert in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 1. His performance during the second show of his residency, TM:101 Live, at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino featured 101 orchestra members.
“This isn’t just a win for me — it’s a moment for the culture, for music, and for Vegas,” Jeezy said in a press release shared with PEOPLE. “Thank you to every musician, every fan, and everyone who believed we could take this all the way. A winner is a dreamer who never gave up!”
The Grammy-nominated artist performed with the Color of Noize Orchestra, composed by Derrick Hodge and musically directed by Adam Blackstone. The 101-member orchestra performance also marks the largest orchestra to ever perform on a Las Vegas stage for any genre.
“Thank you to all 101 orchestra members, composer Derrick Hodge, musical director Adam Blackstone, DJ Drama, DJ Ace — and most importantly, the fans,” Jeezy said on stage when awarded the title.
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Andy Glass, the official Guinness World Records adjudicator, presented the achievement to Jeezy on stage.
The rapper celebrated his achievement on Instagram, posting a video of him being presented the title.
“It is always been my purpose to motivate and inspire my culture,” Jeezy wrote in the caption. “Thank you to everyone involved for believing in my vision. Couldn’t have done it without you. This one’s for the books…literally‼️”
He ended his caption with, “The purpose of life is the life of purpose ⛄”
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TM:101 Live, Jeezy’s four-date residency celebrates the 20th anniversary of his album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101. The residency is split into two segments: “The Masquerade” — on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 — and “The Nutcracker” — Dec. 19 and 21.
