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Turk (rapper)
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Key Information

Tab Virgil Jr. (born February 8, 1981) better known by his stage name Turk (sometimes "Young Turk" or "Hot Boy Turk" or "CFOTAB"), is an American rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana.[1] He is best known for his late 1990s run at Birdman's Cash Money Records with the group the Hot Boys.

Early life

[edit]

Virgil was born February 8, 1981, in New Orleans, to his mother "Gal" and his father Tab Virgil Sr.[2] He grew up in the Magnolia Projects in the Third Ward and attended Fortier High School before dropping out. He was discovered by Birdman rapping with Magnolia Shorty at a block party.[3]

Career

[edit]

Turk's debut commercial appearance was on Juvenile's 400 Degreez (1998) album, guest performing on the songs "Welcome 2 Tha Nolia", " Ha (Hot Boys Remix)", and "Rich Niggaz".

Turk's debut studio album, Young & Thuggin' (2001) peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200. After the split of the Hot Boys in 2001, he departed from Cash Money in 2003 and he signed a recording contract with producer Ke'Noe through his label, Laboratory Recordz. His second and third albums, Raw & Uncut (2003) and Penitentiary Chances (2004) were released independently by Entertainment One Music. In 2005, Turk was convicted on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a fugitive from justice in possession of a firearm, and an unlawful user addicted to a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. The charges arose from the shooting of a Memphis, Tennessee police officer in early 2004. He was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration.[4] In 2006, he entered an Alford plea in Tennessee state court to second-degree attempted murder, based on the same incident, and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment.[5]

While incarcerated, Ke'Noe released two albums of unreleased Turk recordings titled Still A Hot Boy and Convicted Felons. The album's profits of were put on Turk's prison books. Turk was released from prison in October 2012 after nine years.[6] In December 2012, Turk released the single "Zip It" featuring Lil Wayne. Shortly after, a remix with Juvenile was released. In February 2013, a version with Turk, Wayne, Juvenile and B.G. was released, making it the official Hot Boys reunion song. In 2013, Turk released a mixtape on SoundCloud, Blame It On The System.[7]

In 2023, Turk stated that he changed his stage name to "CFOTAB."

[edit]

On January 26, 2004, at around 2:00pm local time, dozens of Shelby County Narcotics Officers and SWAT officers served a search warrant for drugs believed to be inside Turk's apartment in the Hickory Pointe Community in Southeast Memphis. After knocking on the door and identifying themselves led to no response, the officers entered and began searching the apartment. Turk then allegedly shot at them with a 9mm handgun. The officers and SWAT returned fire, engaging in a 15-minute shootout with Turk. Turk finally surrendered to Shelby County officers and the SWAT Team. Turk was charged Wednesday, January 28, 2004, with first-degree attempted murder for allegedly shooting two Memphis, Tennessee Police Officers.[8]

In February 2015, Turk filed lawsuit against Cash Money Records for $1.3 million, over unpaid royalties for recordings dating back to 1999, including solo work from his debut Young & Thuggin' and group, the Hot Boys.[9] The rapper eventually won the suit by default, when Cash Money failed to respond. However, in June 2015, Turk requested that the lawsuit be dismissed after both parties reached an amicable settlement.[10]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Turk discography

Studio albums

[edit]
  • Young & Thuggin' (2001)
  • Raw & Uncut (2003)
  • Penitentiary Chances (2004)
  • Still A Hot Boy (2005)
  • Convicted Felons (2006)
  • Rich Thuggin (2022)
  • Joseph (2025)

Collaboration albums

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Turk (rapper)

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from Grokipedia
Tab Virgil Jr. (born February 8, 1981), known professionally as Turk (also stylized as Young Turk or Lil' Turk), is an American rapper from New Orleans, , best known for his role as a founding member of the , an influential Southern hip-hop group signed to in the late 1990s. Born and raised in the Uptown , Turk was discovered in 1996 by co-founders and Brian "Baby" Williams while performing locally, leading to his integration into the label's burgeoning roster alongside Juvenile, B.G., and a young . Turk rose to prominence with the Hot Boys' breakthrough albums Get It How U Live! (1997) and the platinum-certified Guerrilla Warfare (1999), contributing gritty verses to hits like "I Need a Hot Girl" that helped define the bouncy, street-oriented sound of New Orleans rap during Cash Money's commercial peak. He transitioned to a solo career with his debut album Young & Thuggin' (2001) on Universal Records, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and earned gold certification for sales exceeding 500,000 copies, followed by Raw & Uncut (2003) on Koch Records. After leaving Cash Money amid personal struggles, Turk founded his own imprint, Laboratory Recordz (later YNT Empire), releasing projects like Penitentiary Chances (2005) and Still a Hot Boy (2005). Turk's career was interrupted by legal troubles, including a 2004 shootout during a drug raid in Memphis, Tennessee, which led to federal charges for firearm possession as a felon and state charges for attempted murder; he entered an Alford plea in 2006 and served nearly nine years in prison before his release on October 12, 2012. Upon returning, he collaborated with former Hot Boys members on tracks like the 2012 single "Zip It" featuring Lil Wayne and Juvenile, and participated in reunion performances, though tensions persisted with Cash Money. In 2018, Turk published his memoir The AutoThugOgraphy of Turk, detailing his journey from street life to redemption. As of November 2025, he remains active in music; in July 2025, he filed a lawsuit against Cash Money Records alleging unpaid royalties and wrongful removal from the label's 30th anniversary tour, where he was labeled a "security risk" despite prior performances with the group, but in October 2025, he was countersued for $12 million by tour promoters for allegedly sabotaging the event.

Early life and career beginnings

Upbringing in New Orleans

Tab Virgil Jr., known professionally as Turk, was born on February 8, 1981, in New Orleans, . He was raised in the Uptown , a development located in the Third Ward, where he was exposed to the harsh realities of street life and pervasive from a young age. Growing up in this challenging urban environment shaped his early worldview, marked by limited opportunities and the constant influence of community struggles that tested family resilience and personal development. As a , Turk initially aspired to a career in football before his interests evolved.

Discovery and entry into music

Growing up in the of New Orleans, Turk began honing his rap skills amid the vibrant local hip-hop scene, where and street performances at DJ events were central to emerging artists. He frequently performed at these neighborhood gatherings, including school dances and block parties, building his reputation through freestyle raps that showcased his energetic flow and ties to the Third Ward culture. In 1996, Turk's talent caught the attention of co-founders Bryan "Birdman" Williams and Ronald "Slim" Williams during a DJ party in the , where he was introduced by his neighbor and fellow rapper , who was already signed to the label. Impressed by his performance, offered him a chance to record, marking his entry into the professional music industry as part of emerging roster of New Orleans talents. Turk made his recording debut in 1997 as a guest on Juvenile's album , appearing on tracks such as "I Did That". He gained further exposure in 1998 as a guest feature on Juvenile's album , appearing on tracks such as "Welcome 2 Tha Nolia" and "Rich Niggaz," which helped solidify his presence in the label's growing catalog. These appearances bridged his local performances to broader recognition within the Southern rap landscape.

Rise with Hot Boys and solo debut

Membership in Hot Boys

The Hot Boys were formed in 1997 under Cash Money Records, originally bringing together Juvenile, Lil Wayne, B.G., Turk, and Birdman's nephew Lil Derrick (who left before their debut album) as a collective of young New Orleans rappers known for their energetic, bounce-infused sound. Turk, who had been discovered by label co-founders Birdman and Slim the previous year, joined the group shortly after signing with the label, contributing to its core lineup focused on street narratives and high-energy performances. This formation marked a pivotal moment for Cash Money, amplifying the label's roster of local talent into a unified act that captured the gritty essence of Third Ward and Magnolia projects life. The group's debut album, Get It How U Live!, arrived later that year on Cash Money, establishing their raw, unpolished style with tracks emphasizing neighborhood loyalty and hustle. Building on this foundation, their 1999 follow-up achieved major commercial breakthrough, debuting at number 5 on the and topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with over 142,000 first-week sales and eventual platinum certification by the RIAA. Within the album, Turk delivered key verses on standout singles like "I Need a Hot Girl," where his aggressive, street-oriented flow—marked by direct, confrontational lyrics about desire and lifestyle—added a distinctive edge to the group's chemistry, blending seamlessly with Juvenile's charisma and Lil Wayne's emerging . The record's success solidified as Cash Money's flagship act, selling millions and influencing Southern rap's rise. By 2001, escalating internal tensions at Cash Money—primarily over financial disputes and contract dissatisfaction—led to the group's dissolution as members pursued solo paths. Juvenile departed first, citing mismanagement, followed by B.G. and eventually Turk, fracturing the collective despite a final album, Let 'Em Burn, released in 2003 that debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200 with 64,000 copies sold in its opening week. This period highlighted the challenges of group dynamics amid rapid fame, ending the Hot Boys' original run after just four years.

Young & Thuggin' and early solo work

Following the success of the Hot Boys, which provided a strong platform for individual pursuits, Turk transitioned to solo work with his debut album, Young & Thuggin', released on June 5, 2001, through Cash Money Records and Universal Records. The album, produced entirely by Mannie Fresh, debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 82,000 copies in its first week. It ultimately achieved gold certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units, marking a solid commercial entry despite not matching the multimillion sales of some Cash Money peers. The title track, "Young & Thuggin'" featuring Juvenile and , served as a and exemplified Turk's street-oriented style, blending gritty lyrics with the label's signature bounce production. While the single itself did not chart prominently on the , it contributed to the album's momentum, helping propel Young & Thuggin' to number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and reinforcing Turk's visibility as a solo artist. Other notable tracks like "It's in Me" and "Y.N.V." further showcased his raw delivery and ties to New Orleans rap, solidifying the project's role in extending Cash Money's dominance in Southern hip-hop. By 2003, amid ongoing contract disputes involving financial mismanagement, Turk departed , seeking greater control over his career. He subsequently signed with Laboratory Recordz, an independent label run by producer Ke'Noe, marking his shift to more autonomous releases. Under this new arrangement, distributed through Koch Records, Turk issued his follow-up Raw & Uncut on August 12, 2003, which maintained his thug-centric themes while adapting to a less major-label-backed sound. This was followed by Penitentiary Chances on April 27, 2004, also via Laboratory Recordz and Koch, emphasizing personal struggles and resilience in tracks like "Live From the Lab" featuring Ke'Noe, though neither replicated the chart impact of his debut.

Arrests and convictions

In January 2004, Turk, whose real name is Tab Virgil Jr., was involved in a with Shelby County Sheriff's deputies during a drug raid at an apartment in , where he was staying; the incident resulted in charges of first-degree after gunfire residue was found on his hands and officers were wounded. Following the 2004 incident, federal authorities charged Virgil with being a felon in possession of a , a in possession of a , and an unlawful user of controlled substances in possession of a , all stemming from the Memphis raid where no drugs were recovered but weapons were present. On August 9, 2005, a federal jury in Memphis convicted him on all three counts after a that highlighted his prior status and admitted drug use. In October 2005, U.S. District Judge Julia Gibbons sentenced Virgil to 10 years in for the convictions, emphasizing the dangers posed by his actions during the raid. The case proceeded in state court, where in April 2006, Virgil entered an to the reduced charge of attempted second-degree murder, acknowledging substantial evidence against him while maintaining his innocence; he received a 12-year sentence, ordered to run concurrently with his federal term. These legal issues were rooted in Virgil's longstanding ties to street-level drug activities in New Orleans, where his upbringing in the exposed him to environments rife with narcotics trafficking and violence, influencing his post-Hot Boys solo pursuits amid rising pressures in the rap scene.

Incarceration and label disputes

In 2005, following arrests on federal weapons charges, Turk began serving a sentence that lasted nearly nine years across multiple facilities, including a in . He was ultimately released on , 2012, after receiving credits for good behavior and time served. The extended incarceration significantly disrupted his career, limiting his ability to record new material and perform live, though it did not entirely halt his output as unreleased verses from prior sessions were compiled and released during this period. Despite his , Turk's associate Ke'Noe managed to release two albums featuring his pre-recorded verses: Still a Hot Boy in August 2005 on Laboratory Recordz, which captured his signature Southern rap style amid the ongoing legal fallout, and Convicted Felons in September 2006, explicitly themed around his situation and distributed while he remained behind bars. These projects provided some financial and artistic continuity but highlighted the professional isolation caused by his confinement, as Turk had no direct involvement in their production or promotion. The incarceration also exacerbated longstanding tensions with , culminating in a 2015 lawsuit filed by Turk against the label and Money Mack Music for over $1.3 million in unpaid royalties from his contributions and solo catalog. He alleged and failure to account for sales exceeding two million units of records featuring his work. The dispute was resolved amicably out of court, with Turk's request to dismiss the case approved on June 30, 2015, allowing him to focus on rebuilding his career without further legal entanglements. In July 2025, Turk was removed from ' 30th anniversary tour, prompting him to announce plans for legal action alleging wrongful removal and labeling as a "security risk." In September 2025, he filed a against the tour promoters, Dope Shows, Inc., seeking over $300,000 in unpaid contractual fees. On October 30, 2025, the promoters countersued Turk for $12 million, accusing him of breaching contract, , and sabotaging the tour by making public disparaging statements. As of November 2025, the disputes remain unresolved.

Post-incarceration career

Release and immediate projects

Following his release from in 2012 after nearly nine years of incarceration, Turk quickly re-entered the music scene with renewed energy. In December 2012, he dropped the single "Zip It," featuring former collaborators and Juvenile, which generated significant buzz as a near-reunion effort and was hailed as a hit upon its release. This momentum carried into early 2013 with the release of his Blame It On The System in February, offered as a free download via and hosted by DJ Holiday, featuring appearances from Juvenile, B.G., and others to showcase his post-incarceration perspective. A of "Zip It" later that month included verses from all four original members—Turk, , Juvenile, and B.G.—marking their first collective recording in over a decade and signaling potential group interest. To support distribution, Turk signed with Houston-based in 2013, aligning with the label's Southern hip-hop legacy under J. Prince.

Later releases and stage name change

Following the 2013 mixtape, Turk released several more s through 2017, including Reflamed (2014), the Get Money Stay Real series (2014–2015), and Young & Thuggin' 2 (2016) and 3 (2017). In July 2016, he re-signed with . In 2022, Turk released his album Rich Thuggin', a 10-track project distributed through that signified his return to substantial solo endeavors. The album featured introspective tracks blending Southern rap with themes of perseverance, produced in collaboration with artists like Rossi, and was made available on major streaming platforms, marking a step in rebuilding his independent catalog. In 2023, Turk announced a shift in his professional identity, adopting the stage name CFOTAB—standing for Certified Felon On The Alert Block—to symbolize his evolution beyond past associations and embrace themes of personal transformation; however, as of 2025, he continues to release music primarily under the name Hot Boy Turk. This aligned with his growing focus on in music and public , distancing from earlier monikers like Hot Boy Turk while honoring his experiences with the legal system. Turk's creative output continued with the 2025 album Joseph, an 18-track release issued on August 3 that drew inspiration from the biblical narrative of Joseph, emphasizing redemption, survival, and spiritual growth amid personal hardships. Described as a spiritual project, it incorporated reflections on overcoming adversity, including recovery from and , and was positioned as a testament to faith-driven resilience in his artistry. The album peaked at on the hip-hop charts upon release. That same year, in July 2025, Turk initiated legal action against the promoters of the 30th Anniversary Tour, alleging wrongful termination after he rejected a proposed pay reduction that violated their original agreement. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, sought compensatory damages for and unauthorized use of his likeness in promotional materials following his removal, which he attributed to baseless claims of being a risk. This dispute highlighted ongoing tensions in his post-label career, culminating in a countersuit from the promoters in October accusing him of and , escalating the conflict to a $12 million claim.

Personal life and reflections

Addiction and recovery

During his rise to fame with the in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Turk developed a severe to and , exacerbated by the intense pressures of touring, the party-centric culture of the New Orleans hip-hop scene, and easy access to substances among peers. He described beginning with before progressing to , including injecting it, which became a daily dependency that left him physically ill without use and disrupted his professional commitments, such as missing a video shoot for Lil Wayne's "Block Is Hot" in 1999. Turk's addiction significantly fueled his career instability and legal troubles, as the substance abuse impaired his judgment and reliability, leading to erratic behavior amid Cash Money's demanding schedule; in a 2022 , he admitted that the drugs "almost cost him everything," linking the haze of addiction to decisions that escalated his conflicts with the label and authorities. His incarceration from 2005 to 2012 served as a pivotal turning point, providing forced reflection during which he began unlearning destructive habits through reading and personal growth. Following his release in October 2012, Turk embarked on a sustained recovery journey, achieving and maintaining by treating it as an ongoing daily mindset shift rather than a singular event, crediting spiritual prayer and self-discipline for quitting and just days before his and avoiding during his return to . Key milestones included his and the birth of twins shortly after , which anchored his commitment to family and while resuming projects like the 2015 album 2econd Chance. He has since emphasized prevention through routines focused on uplifting his community and legacy, ensuring his career revival remained untainted by past vices. In public discussions, Turk has advocated for addiction awareness within hip-hop, drawing from his experiences to mentor emerging artists about the genre's pervasive drug culture and the value of sobriety as a path to resilience, as highlighted in his candid revelations during the 2022 Drink Champs episode.

Memoir and public discussions

In 2018, Turk released his tell-all memoir titled The AutoThugOgraphy of Turk, which chronicles his path to redemption from a life of street involvement and incarceration to his experiences in the music industry. The book, published on October 30, details his upbringing in New Orleans' Magnolia Projects, his rapid ascent with Cash Money Records, the profound effects of addiction on his personal and professional life, and his optimistic perspective following his release from prison. These themes underscore a narrative of resilience, portraying his journey as a testament to overcoming adversity through reflection and growth. Turk has shared similar introspective insights in notable interviews, including a 2022 appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, where he openly discussed his struggles with and during his Cash Money era and the resulting strain on his family relationships. In the episode, he reflected on how these experiences shaped his , emphasizing from vulnerability and . More recently, Turk has engaged in public discussions centered on redemption, particularly through 2025 updates promoting his album Joseph, which weaves themes of survival, faith, and personal transformation into its narrative. In interviews tied to the album's release, he highlighted how these elements mirror his broader life story, connecting past challenges to a renewed .

Discography

Studio albums

Turk's debut studio album, Young & Thuggin', marked his transition from member to solo artist, showcasing his signature gritty Southern rap style produced entirely by . Released on June 5, 2001, by and Universal Records, the album debuted at number 9 on the chart, selling 82,000 copies in its first week, and reached number 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA on August 13, 2001, for shipments of 500,000 units. The , "It's in Me," highlighted Turk's energetic delivery over a bouncy beat, contributing to the project's commercial momentum. Following his departure from Cash Money amid legal issues, Turk's second album, Raw & Uncut, served as an independent follow-up, emphasizing raw, unfiltered street narratives. Issued on August 12, 2003, via Koch Records and In the Paint Records, the project featured production from Ke'Noe and others, reflecting Turk's determination to maintain relevance outside major label support. It peaked at #193 on the , #22 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and #15 on the Independent Albums charts, solidifying his underground presence with tracks like "U Thought It Was Over." Penitentiary Chances, released on April 27, 2004, by Koch Records and Laboratory Recordz, captured Turk's pre-incarceration mindset, blending aggression with introspective themes on prison life and survival. This independent effort, distributed just before his arrest, included features from Ke'Noe and focused on authentic New Orleans bounce influences, though it received limited commercial promotion. In 2005, Still a Hot Boy arrived via Laboratory Recordz, affirming Turk's enduring connection to his roots while navigating personal challenges. The album, released amid his legal battles, featured 15 tracks with raw production and guest spots, underscoring resilience in the face of adversity, but it remained a niche independent release without major chart success. Turk's fifth studio album, Convicted Felons, was released on September 5, 2006, by Laboratory Recordz during his incarceration, compiled from unreleased recordings by associate Ke'Noe. The project explored themes of and street life, serving as a testament to Turk's ongoing output despite imprisonment, with no notable chart performance due to its circumstances. After years of mixtapes and sporadic projects, Turk mounted a post-incarceration comeback with Rich Thuggin' on December 20, 2022, released independently through his own imprint. The 10-track effort highlighted matured on and perseverance, distributed via platforms like , and marked his return to consistent solo output without entering major charts. Turk's most recent studio album, , dropped on July 27, 2025, independently under HOTBOYTURK, drawing inspiration from his real name, Tab Virgil Jr. (biblical Joseph themes of redemption and trials). The 18-track project peaked at #5 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Albums chart, featuring introspective cuts like "Still on Fire" and collaborations, signaling a reflective phase in his career.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelPeak Chart Positions
Young & Thuggin'June 5, 2001Cash Money/Universal#9 , #2
Raw & UncutAugust 12, 2003Koch/In the Paint#193 , #22 , #15
Penitentiary ChancesApril 27, 2004Koch/ Recordz-
Still a Hot Boy2005 Recordz-
Convicted FelonsSeptember 5, 2006 Recordz-
Rich Thuggin'December 20, 2022YNT Empire (independent)-
JosephJuly 27, 2025HOTBOYTURK (independent)#5 Hip-Hop/Rap Albums

Collaboration albums

Turk's most prominent collaborative work came through his role as a founding member of the , a New Orleans-based hip-hop group formed in 1997 that also included B.G., Juvenile, and , under the banner. The group's albums showcased their collective street-oriented lyricism and Mannie Fresh's production, helping to elevate Southern rap's profile in the late . These projects highlighted Turk's contributions to group dynamics, often delivering raw verses on neighborhood life and hustle. The ' debut album, Get It How U Live!!, released on October 28, 1997, by , marked their introduction as a unit with 15 tracks entirely produced by . Recorded at Cash Money Studios in New Orleans, it emphasized regional slang and themes, peaking at number 37 on the chart and selling over 300,000 copies primarily in the South. Turk featured prominently on tracks like "Block Burner," contributing to the album's gritty portrayal of struggles. Their sophomore effort, , arrived on July 27, 1999, via Cash Money and Universal Records, debuting at number 5 on the and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first-week sales of 142,000 units. The 17-track project, again helmed by , included standout singles like "I Need a Hot Girl" featuring the , which peaked at number 32 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, underscoring the group's rising commercial momentum. Turk's verses on songs such as "Guerrilla Warfare" and "" reinforced the album's militant, high-energy vibe, contributing to its platinum certification by the RIAA. The ' final album, , released on March 25, 2003, by , compiled unused tracks from 1998–2000 sessions amid the group's internal disputes and eventual split. Debuting at number 14 on the with 64,000 copies sold in its first week, the 17-track release featured Mannie Fresh's production and guest spots from Birdman and the . Turk appeared on key cuts like "My Section" and "We Gon' Take U 2 the Moon," delivering performances that echoed the group's earlier chemistry despite the project's patchwork nature. Beyond the , Turk played a significant role in Juvenile's breakthrough album , released November 3, 1998, by , which peaked at number 9 on the and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually selling over three million copies. As a featured artist, Turk contributed verses to tracks including "Welcome 2 Tha Nolia," "Rich N****z" (with and Paparue), and the remix of "Ha," helping amplify the album's New Orleans bounce sound and its hit "Back That Azz Up," which reached number 19 on the Hot 100. These appearances solidified Turk's position within 's ecosystem, bridging his group work with solo-adjacent projects. In 2023, Turk collaborated with Charlie Hustle on the album No Sleep, released November 26, 2023, independently. The 9-track project featured Southern rap influences and guest appearances, available on streaming platforms.

Mixtapes

Following his release from prison in 2012, Turk launched his independent career with the mixtape Blame It On The System, a free digital release distributed via on February 22, 2013, and hosted by . The 15-track project served as his post-incarceration debut, blending gritty street narratives with features from artists including Gunplay on the title track, Calico Jonez, UNLV, and Lil Lody, emphasizing themes of systemic challenges and resilience in New Orleans hip-hop. Building on the momentum from his late 2012 single "Zip It," which featured and Juvenile and highlighted his connections, Turk followed up with Louisianimalz, Vol. 1 on May 22, 2013, another self-released digital available for free streaming. This 18-track effort focused on regional pride and raw lyricism, with guest appearances from B.G., Juvenile, Young Scooter, and others, positioning it as an unsigned promotional tool to reconnect with fans through platforms like LiveMixtapes. After signing with in July 2014, Turk issued several mixtapes under the label to sustain his output and cultivate a dedicated audience, including Get Money Stay Real on October 30, 2014, a 20-track digital release emphasizing entrepreneurial and Southern trap influences without major commercial promotion. Subsequent projects like Hotboy $hit in further leveraged his legacy, incorporating freestyles and collaborations to maintain visibility in the independent scene via free downloads on sites such as . In 2020, Turk released the mixtape Da Realest Hot Boy independently, focusing on his heritage with raw tracks distributed digitally. In the 2020s, Turk continued this approach with free digital releases such as Big Thuggin' in October 2021, a 19-track streamed on platforms like Dirty Glove Bastard, which explored personal growth and street authenticity as a bridge to his full-length studio album Rich Thuggin' the following year. These efforts underscored his strategy of using for direct fan engagement, distinct from polished label-backed albums. In November 2024, he released Really Magnolia, an 8-track EP highlighting New Orleans roots, independently via streaming services.

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  39. https://www.allmusic.com/album/convicted-felons-mw0000739211
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/5712661-Turk-Convicted-Felons
  41. https://www.courthousenews.com/rapper-says-cash-money-owes-him-1-3-million/
  42. http://allhiphop.com/2015/03/11/exclusive-cash-money-records-seeks-extension-in-lawsuit-filed-by-hot-boy-turk/
  43. https://www.bet.com/article/93mo1b/turk-files-lawsuit-against-cash-money-records
  44. https://hiphopdx.com/news/turk-settles-cash-money-records-lawsuit/
  45. https://www.nola.com/news/new-orleans-rapper-turk-settles-lawsuit-against-record-labels/article_34347e8c-49c4-5d0e-bf78-14f55ea09384.html
  46. https://www.tmz.com/2025/09/26/turk-cash-money-records-reunion-tour-lawsuit/
  47. https://www.complex.com/music/a/treyalston/turk-lawsuit-12-million-allegedly-sabotaging-tour
  48. https://allhiphop.com/news/exclusive-turk-sued-for-12m-accused-of-wrecking-cash-money-tour/
  49. https://www.xxlmag.com/turk-ft-lil-wayne-juvenile-zip-it/
  50. https://rapradar.com/2012/12/27/new-music-turk-ft-lil-wayne-x-juvenile-zip-it/
  51. https://hiphopdx.com/news/turk-blame-it-on-the-system-mixtape-download-stream/
  52. https://www.xxlmag.com/turk-releases-new-mixtape-blame-it-on-the-system-download-now/
  53. https://hiphopdx.com/news/turk-says-a-hot-boys-reunion-wont-happen/
  54. https://hiphopdx.com/news/turk-re-signs-with-cash-money-records/
  55. https://music.apple.com/us/album/rich-thuggin/1657082831
  56. https://unitedmasters.com/m/richthuggin
  57. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-rappers/young-turk-net-worth/
  58. https://music.apple.com/us/album/joseph/1832050132
  59. https://blackamericaweb.com/2025/08/13/turk-opens-up-about-joseph-hot-boys-legacy-and-overcoming-adversity/
  60. https://www.facebook.com/61554448616630/posts/hot-boy-turk-is-making-headlines-as-his-latest-album-joseph-skyrockets-to-number/122224354850148287/
  61. https://omny.fm/shows/drink-champs-1/episode-330-w-turk
  62. https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-09-08/190480/turk-drink-champs-heroin-cocaine-addiction
  63. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Y92Y8rFgI
  64. https://drinkchamps.com/cash-moneys-turk-breaks-down-his-fall-and-comeback/
  65. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/former-cash-money-records-artist-tab-hot-boy-turk-virgil-jr-offers-an-inspiring-real-life-story-of-redemption-in-his-tell-all-memoir-300724247.html
  66. https://www.revolt.tv/video/2022-09-07/190583/turk-drink-champs-video
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9FxO7XZWHk
  68. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Turk&ti=Young+%26+Thuggin%27#search_section
  69. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNReg1-OBb/
  70. https://www.allmusic.com/album/guerrilla-warfare-mw0000245858
  71. https://genius.com/albums/Hot-boys/Get-it-how-u-live
  72. https://www.discogs.com/release/1905125-Hot-Boys-Get-It-How-U-Live
  73. https://www.xxlmag.com/today-in-hip-hop-hot-boys-release-guerrilla-warfare/
  74. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/hot-boys-guerilla-warfare-celebrates-25th-anniversary-with-vinyl-reissue/
  75. https://www.allmusic.com/album/let-em-burn-mw0000593879
  76. https://www.rapreviews.com/2003/03/hot-boys-let-em-burn/
  77. https://genius.com/albums/Hot-boys/Let-em-burn
  78. https://www.allmusic.com/album/400-degreez-mw0000242048
  79. https://www.umgcatalog.com/juvenile-releases-400-degrees-digital-deluxe-featuring-two-bonus-tracks-out-now/
  80. https://www.discogs.com/release/226710-Juvenile-400-Degreez
  81. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/juvenile-400-degreez/
  82. https://music.apple.com/us/album/no-sleep/1729368897
  83. https://www.xxlmag.com/turk-louisianimalz-vol-1-mixtape-stream/
  84. https://hiphopdx.com/news/turk-details-rap-a-lot-records-deal-not-re-signing-with-cash-money-records/
  85. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/266630-turk-hotboy-hit.php
  86. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hot-boy-turk/715786648
  87. https://dirty-glove.net/album-stream-hotboy-turk-big-thuggin/
  88. https://music.apple.com/us/album/really-magnolia/1780822376
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