Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha, began his professional journey in the music industry in 2005, gaining initial recognition through his appearance on Missy Elliott’s reality series, The Road to Stardom. After being eliminated from the show, he took control of his career by independently releasing his debut album, Creek Water, alongside his first mixtape, Pissn’ in a Barrel of Beez. These early works showcased his unique blend of Southern rock and hip hop, establishing him as a distinctive voice in the genre.

In 2010, Yelawolf released his fourth mixtape, Trunk Muzik, which garnered significant attention and led to a contract with Interscope Records. This pivotal moment allowed him to rework Trunk Muzik into his first major label release, Trunk Muzik 0-60. His collaboration with Eminem’s Shady Records resulted in the 2011 album Radioactive, which peaked at number 27 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying his place in the music industry.

Yelawolf’s third studio album, Love Story, released in 2015, marked a high point in his career, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 and featuring the platinum-certified single “Till It’s Gone.” His subsequent albums, including Trial by Fire and Trunk Muzik III, received critical acclaim and showcased his evolution as an artist.

In 2019, Yelawolf released Ghetto Cowboy, his first independent project after leaving major labels, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to artistic freedom. With a discography that spans various genres and a reputation for innovative collaborations, Yelawolf continues to be a trailblazer in the hip hop scene, inspiring a new generation of artists.