Troy Ave is a classically minded NYC rapper who carries the city’s old-school vibes into the modern age. • Born Roland Collins, the rapper takes his name from the street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where he grew up. • He debuted in 2006 with the single “Rep It With My Heart/BK BK” and released his first mixtape, I’m In Traffick, in 2009. • The rapper became known for his drug-focused, nostalgic brand of rap through a string of follow-up mixtapes, including KFC (Kilos For Cheap) (2010), Bricks In My Backpack (2010) and Bricks In My Backpack 2: Powder To The People (2011). • Troy was so pleased with his 2013 debut album, New York City: The Album, that he offered fans a money-back guarantee. • He made the XXL Freshman Class List in 2014, alongside esteemed newcomers like Chance the Rapper and Trey Dolla $ign. • In 2016, he was charged with attempted murder and weapons possession following a shooting at the NYC concert venue Irving Plaza. While the incident hindered his career, he continued releasing multiple mixtapes per year.