b. Stayve Jerome Thomas, 8 September 1980, Houston, Texas, USA. Southern rapper Slim Thug enjoyed notable underground success with a series of mixtapes, before crossing over to the mainstream in 2005 with his Neptunes-funded major label debut, Already Platinum. Raised in Houston, the 6 feet 6 inches tall 265-pound heavy Thomas gained his rapping moniker because of his slim build as a teenager, with the "thug" part a later addition as testament to his braids and gold teeth. In love with music from an early age, he began his professional career in the late 90s by rapping on mix-tapes released by the Houston-based Swishahouse Records imprint. Slim Thug's independent success came through his shrewd management of his own Boss Hogg Outlawz label, which he started after spending a couple of years with Swishahouse.
From the early 00s onwards, the rapper released a series of mixtapes through the label that enjoyed runaway sales success in Texas and other southern states. Although major labels began to show an interest, Thomas maintained his independence and continued to build up both his regional profile and his wealth, diversifying into retail and real estate. With many Houston-based rappers now crossing over to the mainstream, Slim Thug decided to go down the major label route in 2004 and landed a solo recording contract with the Neptunes' Star Trak Entertainment label (a Geffen Records subsidiary). Already Platinum, which reprised a number of Slim Thug's underground hits including "Like A Boss" and "3 Kings", debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart in July 2005.
DISCOGRAPHY: with E.S.G. Boss Hogg Outlaws (SES 2001)***, Tha Boss Vol. 1 (Boss Hogg Outlawz 2002)***, with Lil' Keke The Big Unit (Boss Hogg Outlawz 2003)***, with Boyz-N-Blue We Make The Rules In The Streets (Boss Hogg Outlawz 2004)***, with DJ Ideal Da Bottom Vol. 3 (Boss Hogg Outlawz 2005)***, with Boss Hogg Outlawz Headed To Da Kappa (Boss Hogg Outlawz 2005)***, Already Platinum (Star Trak/Geffen 2005)****.

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