2 Chainz 2 Chainz

2 Chainz: The Hip-Hop Colossus

Early Life and Beginnings

Born as Tauheed Epps on September 15, 1977, in College Park, Georgia, 2 Chainz embarked on his musical journey as part of the rap duo Playaz Circle. The group gained recognition in the mid-2000s with hit songs like "Duffle Bag Boy" and "Supplyin' Dem."

Solo Success

In 2011, 2 Chainz launched his solo career with the release of the mixtape "T.R.U. REALigion." The mixtape garnered critical acclaim and featured guest appearances from artists such as Kanye West and Drake. Building on his momentum, he dropped his debut studio album, "Based on a T.R.U. Story," in 2012, which topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned him a Grammy Award nomination.

Musical Style and Collaborations

2 Chainz's music is characterized by his distinctive drawl, witty lyrics, and infectious beats. He has collaborated with an array of artists, including Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Travis Scott. His song "We Own It (Fast & Furious)" became a global hit, featuring on the soundtrack of the eighth installment of the "Fast & Furious" franchise.

Controversies and Challenges

Throughout his career, 2 Chainz has faced scrutiny and controversy. In 2013, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He has also been criticized for his lyrics, which some have deemed misogynistic or homophobic. However, he has remained defiant, using his platform to speak out against social injustice and systemic racism.

Discography

* Based on a T.R.U. Story (2012)
* B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013)
* ColleGrove (with Lil Wayne) (2016)
* Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2017)
* Rap or Go to the League (2019)
* So Help Me God! (2020)
* Dope Don't Sell Itself (2022)

Members

As a solo artist, 2 Chainz does not have official band members. However, he often collaborates with other musicians, including his frequent collaborator and fellow rapper Lil Wayne.