Petey Pablo

Petey Pablo, born Moses Barrett III, is an American rapper whose career took shape through Jive Records. His 2001 single “Raise Up” served as a tribute to his native Greenville and reached No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was an opening statement: regional pride, a distinct voice, and enough momentum to make him a name beyond his home base. That same year, Jive released his debut album, Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards.

He is best known for 2003’s “Freek-a-Leek,” a single that peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification from the RIAA. The following year brought Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry, which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, reinforcing his commercial peak. But the context is clear: his following releases failed to yield further commercial response. Even so, the run from “Raise Up” to “Freek-a-Leek” and two Jive albums remains the core of his recorded legacy.

Discography

• Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry (2001)
• Freek-A-Leek (2003)
• Still Writing In My Diary: 2nd Entry (2004)
• Vibrate (2004)
• Fire (2007)