ATLANTA - Rapper Jeezy was so poor growing up as a child that he and his mother sometimes knocked cockroaches off their meals so they could eat.

It's a moment Jeezy will never forget. The four-time Grammy-nominated rapper is now far removed from those poverty-stricken conditions, but those tough childhood memories still makes him hungry for a better life.

Now, he wants to use his testimony of overcoming life's daunting obstacles to inspire listeners to "trust the process" through his new album, "Pressure," released on Saturday. His eighth studio album features Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, J. Cole and 2 Chainz.

Jeezy, 40, said "Pressure" is focusing more on his evolution from the street life.

From rapper to mogul, Jeezy continues to make power moves. He has an online merchandise shop called 99 Agency, opened a steakhouse restaurant in Atlanta, partnered with the Atlanta Hawks for his own apparel, became an adviser for Avion and built a six-story compound studio in the city. He also has his record label called Corporate Thugz Entertainment.

Not bad for Jeezy, who used to struggle to pay his own water bill. The rapper said at this point in his life he's the most happiest and healthiest.

"You have to know this is possible," he said. "When you see me, I'm living proof that you can do these things. If you look at where I came from, what I've been through or the obstacles that I've dodged to where I am now, it should give you hope. I came a long way." - AP