Shy Glizzy

Early life

Shy Glizzy was born Delonte Merrell on December 12, 1992, at Greater Southeast Community Hospital and grew up in Southeast D.C. He received his nickname "Shy" during early childhood. As a teenager, he began reading the Quran, then the daily newspaper and stacks of biographies, before starting to write raps. He was initially "trying to write a book, but it ended up being a song." Shy has stated he did not listen to rap music growing up but rather go-go music, which he credits for helping to create his own unique sound.

Career

In 2011, Shy Glizzy released his debut project, No Brain, in January, followed by his second mixtape, Streets Hottest Youngin, on October 31. On June 6, 2012, he released his third mixtape, Law, which led Complex to include him on its list of "10 New DMV Rappers To Watch Out For." The Washington City Paper's Ramon Ramirez described Law as "a well-connected tape" with guest appearances from Project Pat and Wale, noting Shy's style as "less polished" but "hungry and catchy."

On November 14, 2012, he released Fly Money, an 11-track collaborative project with Jose Guapo, and on December 12, Fxck Rap, featuring Trinidad James and production from Speaker Knockerz. On March 16, 2013, Complex listed him as one of "15 Unsigned Rappers Who Should Get a Deal After SXSW." He announced Law 2 on April 3, releasing it on August 1 with guests including Migos, Yo Gotti, Starlito, and Kevin Gates. On January 7, 2014, Fact named him one of "10 Rappers to Watch in 2014."

2014–2016

His seventh mixtape, Young Jefe, released February 17, 2014, included the hit single "Awwsome," which peaked at number 45 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart; a remix featuring A$AP Rocky and 2 Chainz garnered over 750,000 SoundCloud streams in its first week. On June 3, 2015, he was selected for the XXL Freshman Class and released Be Careful, a 16-track collaborative mixtape with his Glizzy Gang collective. On September 30, 2015, he released For Trappers Only, entirely produced by Zaytoven and featuring Boosie Badazz, Yo Gotti, and Ty Dolla $ign.

2017–present

On July 8, 2016, he announced Young Jefe 2, released on July 15. On January 6, 2017, he released an EP, The World is Yours, under the stage name Jefe. The single "Take Me Away" was released on September 29, 2017, dedicated to the memory of 30 Glizzy. He released his 12th mixtape Quiet Storm on December 12, 2017.

In 2018, he released his debut studio album, Fully Loaded, on October 18, which peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard 200, selling 14,446 album-equivalent units in the first week. On April 19, 2019, he released his second studio album, Covered 'N Blood, which peaked at 156 on the Billboard 200. He ended 2019 with a mixtape titled Aloha. On September 18, 2020, he released Young Jefe 3.