Webbie, born Webster Gradney Jr. on September 6, 1985, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an American rapper and actor renowned for his raw portrayals of Southern street life and affiliation with the independent label Trill Entertainment since 2003.[1] Raised in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood after his mother's death from cancer when he was eight, Gradney adopted the stage name Webbie and drew early influences from gangsta rap pioneers like the Geto Boys and 2Pac, beginning his career in the early 2000s alongside collaborator Lil Boosie (now Boosie Badazz).[1] His breakthrough came in 2005 with the debut single "Give Me That" featuring Bun B, which introduced his drawling delivery and explicit lyrics, followed by his solo debut album Savage Life that peaked at number eight on the US Billboard 200.[2] Webbie's signature sound, blending gritty storytelling with club-ready hooks, propelled subsequent releases like Savage Life 2 (2008), which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and featured the platinum-certified hit "Independent" (featuring Lil Boosie and Lil Phat) that reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] Later albums, including Savage Life 3 (2011) and Savage Life 4 (2013), continued his chart success, with the series cementing his status as a staple of Baton Rouge's hip-hop scene despite legal troubles and personal challenges throughout his career.[4] Active into the 2020s, Webbie remains a live performer, though recent shows have drawn attention for onstage mishaps, such as fumbling lyrics during a 2025 performance of "Independent."[5]
Personal background
Early life
Webster Gradney Jr., known professionally as Webbie, was born on September 6, 1985, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[6][7] His early childhood was marked by significant hardship following the death of his mother, Jocelyn, from cancer when he was eight years old.[1][6] After her passing, Webbie was primarily raised by his father and grandmother, shuttling between their homes during his formative years.[1][8]Webbie grew up in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood of Baton Rouge, a notoriously tough area known for its high crime rate and pervasive poverty.[6] These environments exposed him to the raw challenges of urban life in Baton Rouge, including violence and limited opportunities, which deeply influenced his perspective.[6]From a young age, Webbie showed an early interest in music, beginning to write rhymes as a five-year-old as a means of expression.[6][9] His passion was nurtured by family members, including a big cousin from California who taught him rapping techniques and introduced him to influential gangsta rap artists such as Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Eazy-E, and UGK.[1][6] Additionally, his mother's love for R&B music, often playing it while dancing in the home, sparked his initial connection to rhythm and performance, while the local Baton Rouge rap scene, featuring pioneers like Master P and the Geto Boys, further fueled his immersion in Southern hip-hop traditions.[1][8]
Family and influences
Webbie's early family dynamics were marked by significant loss and resilience, with his mother, Jocelyn Gradney, passing away from cancer when he was eight years old. Following her death, his upbringing was primarily handled by his grandmother and father, who shared parental responsibilities amid ongoing hardships in Baton Rouge. His grandmother served as a key caregiver, providing stability and instilling core values such as perseverance and family loyalty during periods of economic and emotional strain.[10][11]Webbie grew up alongside siblings and extended family members in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood of Baton Rouge, though public details about surviving relatives remain limited, focusing more on the collective challenges they faced together. His brother, Supa Unit (also known as Supa), has occasionally spoken about the family's shared grief over their mother's death, highlighting how it influenced their paths. The grandmother's role extended beyond caregiving; she became one of Webbie's strongest supporters, attending his performances and embracing his career with enthusiasm.[12][13]Webbie's artistic development drew heavily from Southern rap pioneers, including Master P's No Limit Records era, which emphasized raw storytelling and independence, as well as local Baton Rouge artists who captured the grit of regional life. These influences shaped his brash, street-oriented style, blending hardcore elements from acts like Eightball & MJG and the Geto Boys with the entrepreneurial spirit of early Cash Money releases.[14][15]Music emerged as a vital outlet for Webbie, serving as an escape from the street life prevalent in his Baton Rouge environment and a way to process the profound family losses he endured. This personal drive transformed his experiences into lyrical content, prioritizing authenticity over commercial polish as a means of coping and expression.[10]
Music career
Debut and rise with Trill Entertainment
Webbie signed to the independent Baton Rouge-based Trill Entertainment label in 2003, shortly after its founding in 2001 by Mel Vernell Jr. and Marcus "Turk" Roach, with involvement from Pimp C of UGK.[16] The label quickly positioned him alongside fellow Baton Rouge rapper Lil Boosie, fostering a partnership rooted in the city's gritty street rap scene.[17]His entry into the industry came through the collaborative album Ghetto Stories with Lil Boosie, released on July 22, 2003, under Trill and presented by Pimp C.[18] The project, featuring raw narratives of Southern hood life produced largely by Happy Perez, sold over 15,000 copies independently and generated significant local buzz in Baton Rouge club circuits and mixtape rotations, establishing the pair's chemistry as unfiltered, high-energy duo voices in Dirty Southhip-hop.[18]Building on this momentum, Webbie's debut solo studio album Savage Life arrived on July 5, 2005, via Trill in partnership with Asylum Records.[19] The release debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart, moving 68,000 copies in its first week and marking a breakthrough for Trill's roster with tracks like "Gimme That" (featuring Bun B) showcasing his drawling, confrontational style.[20]Early collaborations with Boosie, including the follow-up duo album Gangsta Musik in 2004, solidified their dynamic as complementary forces—Webbie's booming, party-anthem delivery paired with Boosie's introspective aggression—laying the foundation for Trill's regional dominance in the mid-2000s Southern rap wave.[21]
Major albums and hits
The project showcased his raw, unfiltered portrayal of Southern street life, blending crunk energy with gritty Southern rap narratives and explicit lyrics that resonated with audiences in the Dirty South scene.[22] Key singles included "Give Me That," which peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 8 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and earned RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold, and "Bad Bitch" featuring Foxx, which gained traction through its remix appearance on the Hustle & Flow soundtrack and peaked at number 20 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100.)[23][24][25] The music video for the "Bad Bitch" remix, featuring Trina, amplified its club appeal and cultural impact by highlighting Webbie's provocative style and Baton Rouge swagger.[26]Building on this momentum, Webbie's follow-up, Savage Life 2, arrived on February 26, 2008, also through Trill and Asylum, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200 with 72,000 copies sold in its first week.[27] The album delved deeper into themes of urban survival, independence, and hedonism, maintaining Webbie's signature explicit lyricism while evolving his sound with more polished production rooted in crunk and Southern rap traditions.[28] Its lead single, "Independent" featuring Lil Boosie and Lil Phat, became a breakout hit, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and embodying the era's celebration of self-reliant women amid street bravado.[29] The track's music video, with its high-energy visuals of luxury and nightlife, further boosted its mainstream crossover, solidifying Webbie's commercial peak in the mid-2000s.[30]
Independent releases and collaborations
Following the release of his second album Savage Life 2 in 2008 under Asylum Records, Webbie transitioned to fully independent production and distribution through Trill Entertainment, his label since 2003. This shift allowed greater creative control, with subsequent projects emphasizing southern hip-hop roots without major label oversight.Webbie's independent era began with Savage Life 3 on November 15, 2011, released exclusively on Trill Entertainment and debuting at number 17 on the Billboard 200 with approximately 20,000 copies sold in its first week, featuring tracks like "Patna" with Lil Boosie that highlighted their enduring partnership. The album was followed by Savage Life 4 on November 19, 2013, and Savage Life 5 on May 20, 2016, both issued via Trill and focusing on street narratives with production from in-house beatsmiths like Mouse on tha Track. In 2018, he dropped T4L (Trill 4 Life), a 20-track effort celebrating the label's roster and Baton Rouge sound, distributed primarily through digital platforms.[31]More recent output includes Savage Life 6 on October 16, 2020, a concise nine-track digital release on Trill that revisited classic themes while incorporating modern trap elements. From 2021 to 2025, Webbie maintained activity through singles and features on regional southern rap tracks, such as the 2024 single "Fuck You" and contributions to mixtapes by emerging Baton Rouge artists. His 2025 album Like Father Like Son, released on February 28, further explores familial bonds alongside street reflections, released independently via Trill.[32]Throughout this period, collaborations remained central, with continued work alongside Boosie Badazz on joint projects like the upcoming 2025 album Gangsta Musik 2, scheduled for release on November 21, echoing their early Trill chemistry.[33] Webbie also linked with Gucci Mane on tracks like "Freaky" from various mixtapes in the 2010s, blending high-energy southern anthems with established trap influences. These partnerships underscore Webbie's role in sustaining regional hip-hop networks via independent channels.[34]
Entertainment ventures
Acting roles
Webbie's entry into acting began in the late 2000s, leveraging his established persona as a raw, street-oriented rapper from Baton Rouge to portray authentic urban characters in independent films. His debut role came in the 2010 crime drama Ghetto Stories, directed by John McDougall, where he played Jai "Savage" Carter, a drug dealer entangled in a territorial war between North and Southside factions in Baton Rouge.[35] The film, co-starring frequent collaborator Boosie Badazz (as Marcus Hatch), drew loosely from their real-life experiences and lyrical themes, allowing Webbie to infuse the performance with genuine depictions of Southern street life and survival struggles.[36] This role marked his transition from music to scripted entertainment, emphasizing the gritty realism that mirrored his rap narratives.[37]Following Ghetto Stories, Webbie appeared in the 2011 hip-hop drama Video Girl, directed by Ty Hodges, taking on the small but pivotal role of "The Rapper," a character central to the story's exploration of the music video industry.[38] In the film, which follows an aspiring dancer (played by Meagan Good) navigating fame and exploitation in the hip-hop world, Webbie's portrayal highlighted the performative and chaotic elements of rapculture, again drawing on his personal background for credibility.[39] His involvement in this music-themed project underscored how his rising fame from albums like Savage Life opened doors to roles that blended his musical identity with acting.[40]Webbie continued with minor roles in straight-to-video and comedy features into the late 2010s. In the 2019 sequel I Got the Hook Up 2, directed by Corey Grant and produced by Master P, he portrayed "Duct Tape," a quirky supporting character in a story about reformed hustlers running a family restaurant that spirals into criminal mishaps.[41] This appearance in the low-budget comedy, which revisited the 1998 original's themes of street entrepreneurship, allowed Webbie to bring humor to his streetwise archetype, contributing to the film's lighthearted take on urban hustling.[42] In 2025, Webbie starred as Joe Savage in Savage Life: The Movie, directed by Mark Lens, a project inspired by his music series that premiered on September 6, 2025.[43] Through these projects, Webbie's acting consistently reflected the authentic, unfiltered portrayals of Southern Black life that defined his music career, though his film work remained sporadic and focused on independent, genre-specific productions.[44]
Other media appearances
Webbie made several guest appearances on music-oriented television programs during the peak of his career in the 2000s and 2010s. He served as a guest judge on BET's 106 & Park during a Freestyle Friday segment in 2011, where his on-air interactions, including flirtatious comments toward co-host Rocsi Diaz, led to his subsequent ban from the show.[45]In addition to traditional TV, Webbie participated in reality-style web series that blended promotional content with personal glimpses into his life. From 2021 onward, he co-starred in the YouTube series Webbie Trill & Lay Lay Savage and On Da Block, which featured episodes depicting everyday scenarios, such as first dates and visits to local gun ranges, alongside collaborator Lay Lay, showcasing his ongoing engagement with fans through unscripted formats.[46]Webbie has appeared in music videos as a featured artist and occasional cameo performer, often collaborating with longtime partner Boosie Badazz. For instance, in the 2014 black-and-white video for Boosie's "Show Da World" featuring Webbie, directed by G. Visuals, he performed alongside cameos from artists like DJ Drama and Slim Thug, emphasizing themes of resilience and street life. Recent interviews from 2020 to 2025 have provided platforms for career reflections, including discussions on his "Savage Life" series, mentorship of emerging Baton Rouge rappers, and personal growth amid challenges, as seen in his 2023 VladTV appearance and a 2025 Dallas radio interview where he humorously addressed family life and faith.[47][48]On social media, Webbie maintains an active presence on Instagram under the handle @webbietrill, where he shares updates on performances, behind-the-scenes content, and direct fan interactions. His posts often include humorous clips, such as fumbling lyrics during live raps or responding to outfit critiques, fostering a relatable connection with followers and generating viral moments, like a 2024 Instagram Live session that entertained fans with candid commentary.[49][50]
Legal and public controversies
Criminal charges and arrests
In September 2008, rapper Webbie, whose real name is Webster Gradney Jr., was arrested in Mississippi following a high-speed police chase that began on Interstate 59 near the Louisiana border. He faced charges of felony eluding, driving under the influence, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.[51][52]On April 4, 2011, Webbie was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol during a traffic stop after a performance in Kentucky. He was charged with simple possession of a controlled substance (approximately two ounces of marijuana) and tampering with evidence after allegedly discarding the drugs from the vehicle window; authorities also recovered $13,240 in cash from the rental car.[53][54]In September 2012, Webbie was arrested in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on charges of second-degree battery and robbery stemming from an incident at the Chase Suites Hotel. He was accused of physically assaulting a woman by kicking and pushing her down two flights of stairs before stealing $340 from her purse.[55]On July 4, 2017, he was arrested in Baton Rouge on charges of second-degree battery, false imprisonment, domestic abuse by strangulation, theft under $500, and simple criminal damage to property following an alleged altercation at a Comfort Inn hotel. The victim reported that Webbie, who had been consuming marijuana and cocaine, struck her repeatedly with his fists and a belt, fracturing her nose, and held her against her will for over two hours.[56][57] In August 2018, he pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge of simple battery and received a one-year bench probation sentence, along with $5,000 in restitution to the victim, an anger management class, 20 hours of community service, and $725 in fines and court costs; the remaining charges were dismissed upon completion of probation conditions.[58][59]In September 2024, Webbie was arrested again in Baton Rouge on charges of second-degree battery, theft under $1,000, false imprisonment, simple criminal damage to property, and domestic abuse battery. The incident involved allegations that he and his entourage held his girlfriend captive in a Comfort Inn hotel room for over two hours while physically assaulting her. As of November 2025, no court outcome has been reported for this case, and Webbie has no known active parole status from prior convictions.[60]
Media and public backlash
Webbie's explicit lyrics, particularly in tracks like "Bad Bitch" from his 2005 debut album Savage Life, have faced criticism for promoting misogyny and violence against women. The song, featuring Boosie Badazz and several female artists, depicts women in derogatory terms, with lines emphasizing objectification and physical aggression, such as caressing and slapping a "bad bitch" to gain favor.Throughout the 2010s, Webbie engaged in public feuds with fellow rappers, often spilling over into online disputes that amplified negative perceptions of his persona. A notable conflict arose with longtime collaborator Boosie Badazz, escalating publicly around 2019 and peaking in 2020 when Boosie accused Webbie of failing to support his family during legal troubles, including not sending money to his mother. Webbie's manager attributed the rift to personal and financial disagreements, noting their once-close partnership had soured irreparably by then. The exchange, aired on social media and in interviews, drew media attention for highlighting tensions within Southern rap circles.[61][62]In June 2024, Webbie's longtime DJ, T Gutta (real name Notorius Brown), posted a viralsocial media rant accusing the rapper of exploitative business practices, including failing to pay him for years of touring work and subjecting him to poor conditions. Hours later, Brown committed a murder-suicide, killing his wife before taking his own life. The incident sparked widespread backlash against Webbie, with fans and media criticizing his alleged mistreatment of staff and raising questions about his professional conduct.[63]In the 2020s, Webbie's social media activity has sparked backlash over personal and stylistic choices, reinforcing stereotypes of unpredictability in his public image. In April 2023, he posted photos from a Pimp C tribute wearing an unconventional outfit resembling loungewear, which went viral and prompted ridicule and memes from fans and commentators. Webbie clapped back on Instagram, urging detractors to "quit playing on the internet" and questioning why his motivational posts for youth receive less attention. Similarly, in 2018, he faced criticism for sharing videos shaming his teenage sons for allegedly sharing a bed with a girl, defending the move as tough parenting amid mixed public reactions.[64]Webbie's work has also elicited responses to cultural critiques of Southern rap's reinforcement of regional stereotypes, including glorification of street violence and gender dynamics. Critics, including feminist scholars examining hip-hop, have pointed to his Trill Entertainment output as contributing to narratives that commodify women and normalize aggression, aligning with broader condemnations of the genre's portrayal of Baton Rouge life. In response, supporters and some analyses argue that such content reflects authentic Southern experiences rather than invention, though this defense has not quelled ongoing debates about its societal impact.[65]
Works and legacy
Discography
Webbie's discography encompasses six solo studio albums, multiple collaborative projects, mixtapes and EPs, and over a dozen singles, largely released through Trill Entertainment in collaboration with Asylum Records during his major-label period. His work is rooted in Southern hip-hop, often featuring collaborations with artists from the Baton Rouge scene, such as Lil Boosie (now Boosie Badazz) and Lil Phat. Early releases built his underground following, while mid-2000s albums achieved commercial breakthroughs on the Billboard charts. Later projects shifted to independent digital distribution, reflecting a sustained but lower-profile output. Webbie's music has influenced the Southern rap scene, particularly in Baton Rouge, through his affiliation with Trill Entertainment, which he helped popularize as a hub for raw, street-oriented hip-hop. His explicit lyrics and drawling style have inspired a generation of regional artists, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of Louisiana's gangsta rap sound.[66]
Studio albums
Webbie's debut solo studio album, Savage Life, was released on July 5, 2005, by Trill Entertainment and Asylum Records. It debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, selling 68,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units shipped.[67] The follow-up, Savage Life 2, arrived on February 26, 2008, via the same labels, entering the Billboard 200 at number 4 with 72,000 first-week sales. Savage Life 3 followed on November 15, 2011, peaking at number 17 on the Billboard 200 with 30,000 copies sold in its debut week. Savage Life 4, an independent release on November 19, 2013, through Trill Entertainment, reached number 27 on the Billboard 200, moving 13,000 units initially. The series continued with Savage Life 5 on May 20, 2016, distributed digitally via Trill Entertainment, though it did not chart on the Billboard 200. Savage Life 6 was issued independently on October 16, 2020, also without major chart entry. His most recent collaborative album, Like Father Like Son with Tre Savage, came out on February 28, 2025, under Trill 4 Life, focusing on family-themed tracks in the vein of his earlier work.
Title
Release Date
Label(s)
Billboard 200 Peak
Savage Life
July 5, 2005
Trill, Asylum
8
Savage Life 2
February 26, 2008
Trill, Asylum
4
Savage Life 3
November 15, 2011
Trill, Asylum
17
Savage Life 4
November 19, 2013
Trill
27
Savage Life 5
May 20, 2016
Trill
—
Savage Life 6
October 16, 2020
Trill
—
Like Father Like Son (with Tre Savage)
February 28, 2025
Trill 4 Life
—
Webbie also contributed to collaboration albums early in his career, including Ghetto Stories (2003) and Gangsta Musik (2004) with Lil Boosie, both under Trill Entertainment, which helped establish the duo's regional popularity but did not receive solo certifications under Webbie's name.
Mixtapes and EPs
Prior to his major-label breakthrough, Webbie released underground mixtapes to build his fanbase in the South. Notable early efforts include The Savage Mix Tape Vol. 1 in 2004, featuring tracks like "What's Happening" and "Gangsta Musik." Post-2010, he embraced digital platforms for mixtape-style releases, such as Savage Stories (2011) and Money Good (2015), distributed via sites like LiveMixtapes. Recent digital projects include T4L (Trill 4 Life) in 2018, a collaborative EP with Trill family members emphasizing loyalty themes. These releases often bypassed traditional charting but maintained his presence in streaming metrics.[68]
Notable singles
Webbie's singles frequently crossed over from rap to R&B charts, with several earning RIAA recognition. "Give Me That" featuring Bun B, from Savage Life, peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005 and was certified gold by the RIAA for 500,000 digital sales.[69][70] "Bad Bitch" featuring Trina followed the same year, bubbling under at number 120 on the Hot 100 and reaching number 48 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The 2008 track "Independent" featuring Lil Phat and Lil Boosie from Savage Life 2 became his biggest hit, hitting number 9 on the Hot 100, number 5 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 1 on Hot Rap Songs. Other key singles include "I Miss You" featuring LeToya (2008, number 64 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs) and "Like That" featuring Lil Boosie and Pimp C (2006, number 68 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs). Later efforts like "My People" (2010) charted modestly at number 115 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[69][71]
Webbie's forays into acting have primarily been in independent urban dramas and comedies, often drawing from his Southern rap persona and collaborations with fellow artists. His roles typically portray streetwise characters reflecting themes of hustling, rivalry, and survival in low-income communities, aligning with the narratives in his music.[36]
Feature Films and Direct-to-Video
On the Grind (2006): Webbie appears as a lead in this direct-to-video urban drama, portraying a hustler navigating the gritty underworld of Baton Rouge alongside Lil Boosie. The film explores themes of street life and ambition in the hip-hop scene.[72]
Ghetto Stories (2010): In this independent crime drama co-starring Lil Boosie, Webbie plays Jai "Savage" Carter, a rival drug dealer caught in a territorial war in Baton Rouge. The loosely biographical story highlights the struggles of survival amid violence and poverty.[35]
Video Girl (2011): Webbie portrays The Rapper, a supporting character in this romantic comedy-drama about a young woman's aspirations in the music industry. His role adds authenticity to scenes involving hip-hop culture and performance.[38]
I Got the Hook Up 2 (2019): Webbie takes on the role of Duct Tape, a minor character in this comedy sequel about street hustlers reopening a family business. The film blends humor with elements of crime and entrepreneurship.[42][44]
Savage Life: The Movie (2025): Directed by Mark Lens, Webbie stars as Joe Savage in this drama examining deception, manipulation, and the consequences of selfish choices in a high-stakes environment. The film premiered on September 6, 2025, and explores trust and reality in urban settings.[43][73]
Webbie's acting credits remain limited, with no major studio feature films or recurring television roles documented as of 2025. His contributions emphasize authentic representations of Southern hip-hop lifestyles in low-budget productions.[74]