Troy Ave, born Roland Collins, is a rapper hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Known for his gritty lyrics and street-smart persona, he has made a significant impact on the hip-hop scene. But who is Troy Ave beyond the music? Did you know he named himself after a street in his neighborhood? Or that he survived a near-fatal shooting in 2016? His life is filled with intriguing stories, from his early days hustling mixtapes to his legal battles and controversies. Whether you're a fan or just curious, these 25 facts will give you a deeper look into the life of Troy Ave.
Who is Troy Ave?
Troy Ave, born Roland Collins, is a rapper hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Known for his gritty lyrics and street-smart persona, he has made a name for himself in the hip-hop industry. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about this artist.
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Stage Name Origin: Troy Ave's stage name comes from a street in his Brooklyn neighborhood, Troy Avenue.
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Early Life: He grew up in the Crown Heights area of Brooklyn, which has heavily influenced his music.
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First Mixtape: His first mixtape, "I’m In Traffick," dropped in 2009, marking his entry into the music scene.
Music Career Highlights
Troy Ave's career has been marked by several notable achievements and collaborations. Here are some key moments.
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Breakthrough Single: "All About the Money" became his breakout single in 2014, gaining significant radio play.
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Album Releases: He has released multiple albums, including "New York City: The Album" and "Major Without a Deal."
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Collaborations: Troy Ave has worked with artists like 50 Cent, T.I., and Young Lito.
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Billboard Success: His album "Major Without a Deal" debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart.
Legal Troubles
Troy Ave's life hasn't been without controversy. His legal issues have often made headlines.
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Irving Plaza Incident: In 2016, he was involved in a shooting at Irving Plaza in New York City, which led to multiple charges.
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Self-Defense Claim: He claimed self-defense in the Irving Plaza incident, stating he was attacked first.
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Prison Time: He spent time in jail following the Irving Plaza incident but was released on bail.
Personal Life
Beyond his music and legal issues, Troy Ave has a personal life that fans find intriguing.
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Fatherhood: He is a father to two children, whom he often mentions in his music.
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Entrepreneurship: Troy Ave owns a record label called BSB Records, which stands for "Brick Star Boyz."
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Philanthropy: He has been involved in various charitable activities, including giving back to his Brooklyn community.
Controversies and Feuds
Troy Ave has had his fair share of beefs and controversies in the hip-hop world.
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Joey Bada$$ Feud: He had a well-publicized feud with fellow Brooklyn rapper Joey Bada$$.
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Taxstone Beef: His beef with podcaster Taxstone escalated to the point of physical violence.
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Public Statements: Troy Ave is known for making bold, often controversial statements in interviews and on social media.
Musical Style and Influences
Troy Ave's music is characterized by its raw, street-oriented style. Here are some insights into his musical influences.
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Influences: He cites 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. as major influences on his music.
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Lyrical Themes: His lyrics often revolve around street life, hustling, and personal struggles.
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Production Style: He prefers beats that have a classic New York sound, often using samples from the '90s.
Awards and Recognition
Despite the controversies, Troy Ave has received recognition for his work in the music industry.
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BET Awards: He was nominated for Best New Artist at the BET Awards in 2014.
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XXL Freshman Class: He was featured in XXL magazine's Freshman Class list in 2014, highlighting up-and-coming rappers.
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Independent Artist: Troy Ave has been praised for his independent hustle, managing much of his career without major label support.
Future Plans
What does the future hold for Troy Ave? Here are some of his upcoming projects and goals.
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New Music: He continues to release new music, with plans for more albums and mixtapes.
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Acting: Troy Ave has expressed interest in pursuing acting roles in the future.
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Autobiography: He has hinted at writing an autobiography to share his life story in more detail.
The Final Note on Troy Ave
Troy Ave's story is a mix of grit, talent, and resilience. From his early days in Brooklyn to making waves in the hip-hop scene, he's shown what determination can achieve. His music, filled with raw emotion and real-life experiences, resonates with many. Despite facing legal troubles and controversies, Troy Ave continues to push forward, proving that setbacks don't define one's journey. His entrepreneurial spirit, seen in ventures beyond music, highlights his versatility. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, there's no denying his impact on the industry. Troy Ave's journey reminds us that success often comes with challenges, but perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. Keep an eye on this dynamic artist as he continues to evolve and make his mark.
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