2 Chainz

2 Chainz

2 Chainz in May 2014
Background information
Birth name Tauheed Epps
Born (1977-09-12) September 12, 1977
Origin College Park, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • songwriter
Years active 1997–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website www.2chainz.com

Tauheed Epps (born September 12, 1977),[1][2] known professionally as 2 Chainz (formerly Tity Boi), is an American rapper, record producer and songwriter. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, he initially gained recognition for being one-half of the Southern hip hop duo Playaz Circle, alongside his longtime friend and fellow rapper Earl "Dolla Boy" Conyers. They are perhaps best known for being signed to fellow Georgia-based rapper Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace label, as well as their debut single "Duffle Bag Boy".

In February 2012, Epps signed a solo record deal with Def Jam Recordings, an imprint of Universal Music Group. The following August, he released his debut studio album Based on a T.R.U. Story, to mixed reviews.[3] The album spawned three successful singles: "No Lie," "Birthday Song," and "I'm Different", all of which charted in the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100 and were certified Gold or higher by the RIAA, along with the album being certified Gold. His second studio album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time was released on September 11, 2013. It was supported by the singles "Feds Watching" and "Used 2".

Early life

2 Chainz was born Tauheed Epps in College Park, Georgia.[4] He attended North Clayton High School, where he played basketball and graduated second in his class.[5] While in high school, he dealt marijuana and was arrested for felony cocaine possession when he was 15 years old.[5] He later attended Alabama State University on a scholarship, and played on its basketball team from 1995 to 1997.[6][7] In 35 games, Epps averaged 2.8 points and 1.6 rebounds.[6]

When asked by Rolling Stone about longstanding rumors that he had graduated from Alabama State with a 4.0 GPA, which had been widely reported on many sources including Wikipedia, 2 Chainz said: "Don't believe anything on Wack-ipedia. There's a lot of false stuff on there, to the point that every time I try to fix one thing, something else comes out."[8] In fact, he transferred to Virginia State University due to circumstances he was reluctant to speak about.[5] "I got into some trouble, went somewhere else, and came back. But I graduated, and that’s that. That was then," he said.[5]

Musical career

1997–2010: Playaz Circle and Disturbing tha Peace

Epps formed the hip hop duo Playaz Circle (the word "Playaz" being a bacronym for "Preparing Legal Assets for Years from A to Z")[9] in College Park, Georgia in 1997, with his high school friend Earl Conyers (known as Dolla Boy), while Epps adopted "Tity Boi" as his moniker.[10] Following the release of an independent album titled United We Stand, United We Fall (2002),[9] the duo were introduced to fellow Atlanta rapper Ludacris, when he moved into their College Park apartment complex, whilst he was acting as a DJ.[10] After taking interest in Playaz Circle, Ludacris began to record several songs with the group, playing some of them on his radio station.[9]

Ludacris soon became one of the highest-selling rappers in the Southern United States.[10] After hearing of their situation, Ludacris requested of Epps that the duo join his newly formed record label Disturbing Tha Peace, a subsidiary of Def Jam Recordings. Epps agreed to sign, although Conyers did not officially join the label until his mother regained her health, a year after the initial signing.[10]

Their debut album Supply & Demand, was released on October 30, 2007. The lead single and their debut single, "Duffle Bag Boy", became an urban hit single. The song features Lil Wayne, and was performed by the duo at the BET Hip Hop Awards. The duo released their second studio album Flight 360: The Takeoff, on September 29, 2009. In January 2010, Playaz Circle filmed a music video for their single "Big Dawg" featuring Lil Wayne and Birdman at Studio Space Atlanta. Shortly afterwards, Epps left Disturbing tha Peace, a move he claimed was taken in order to advance his career. Although Ludacris was initially reluctant to allow Epps to leave the label (as he felt Epps could still prove financially successful), he eventually accepted the decision.[11]

2011–12: Name change and Based on a T.R.U. Story

Throughout Epps' career, critics and fans alike have speculated the pseudonym "Tity Boi" was meant to be derogatory towards women, although he repeatedly denied such accusations.[12] In early 2011, Epps decided to change his stage name to 2 Chainz, as he perceived it to be more "family friendly".[13] Following the name change, Epps released a mixtape entitled T.R.U. REALigion, which became his first mixtape to appear on the music charts, peaking at number 58 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[14] Since the success of the mixtape, Epps has made numerous guest appearances on tracks by prominent recording artists such as[12] Kanye West ("Mercy") and Nicki Minaj ("Beez in the Trap").

On March 24, 2012, Epps announced his debut studio album, Based on a T.R.U. Story (originally titled T.R.U. to My REALigion)[11] was set for an August 14, 2012, release date.[15] The album's lead single "No Lie", features Canadian rapper Drake and was released on May 8, 2012.[16] On May 11, it was under speculation that Epps had signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music label, after West tweeted: "2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he's G.O.O.D!!!!!"[17] However, Epps later denied those rumors, saying: "He just said I’m good, like I’m ill. But we was talking and I think I was jeopardizing my brand sometimes by doing the homeboy special. So I think he felt like we should just put that out there that we ain't doing no more of that."[18] On May 30, 2012, Ciara revealed 2 Chainz was featured on "Sweat", the intended first single from her fifth studio album One Woman Army.[19]

Based on a T.R.U. Story debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 147,000 copies in its first week.[20] The album was met with mixed reviews, earning a score of 55 on metacritic.[21] As of September 23, 2012, the album has sold 288,000 copies in the United States.[22] In September, Epps performed at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, alongside longtime friend Lil Wayne. After the release of his debut, Based on a T.R.U. Story, Epps made momentous strides. He facilitated his first solo worldwide tour, selling out most dates, nominated for over 13 BET Hip Hop Awards,[23] bringing home 4 trophies,[24] earned the Source Magazine’s "Man of the Year",[25] released a collaborative endeavor with ADIDAS[26] and later Beats By Dre[27] and was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.[28]

2012–15: B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time and Collegrove

In late 2012, Epps stated once he completed the B.O.A.T.S. concert tour, he will head back into the studio. In November 2012, he revealed he was three songs deep into his second studio album. The album's estimated release date was April 2013.[29][30] The rapper made a guest appearance on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in an episode that aired May 8, 2013.[31] He also appeared as himself in the second season (episode 16) of the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, where he travels on the same private planes as the two main characters.[32] On May 23, 2013, he announced that his second studio album B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time will be released on September 10, 2013.[33] On June 2, 2013, Epps premiered the first single from the album, "Feds Watching" at the Hot 97's Summer Jam. The song features Pharrell Williams and was recorded on 2013 Grammy Awards night.[34][35] On June 15, Epps announced the title of his second album would be B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time.[36] The album was released through Def Jam Recordings, on September 10, 2013.[37]

B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time featured guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Fergie, Drake, Lil Wayne, Pusha T, Mase, Chrisette Michele, Iamsu!, T-Pain, Dolla Boy, Rich Homie Quan, and Lloyd among others. The album's production was handled by Diplo, Mike WiLL Made It, Drumma Boy, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Mannie Fresh, Wonder Arillo, Da Honorable C-Note and DJ Toomp among others.[38] It was also supported by the single "Used 2", along with the promotional singles "Where U Been?" and "Netflix". Upon the album's release, it was met with generally positive reviews from music critics.[39] It also faired decently commercially, debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200, and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart selling 63,000 copies in its first week.[40]

On October 23, 2013, Epps revealed that he had begun working on his third studio album immediately following the release of B.O.A.T.S. II. He also stated he had the first single from his third album ready for release and that he still wanted to get Jay-Z featured on the album.[41] In November 2015, 2 Chainz revealed that we was releasing a joint album with Lil Wayne, titled ColleGrove.[42] On May 5, 2014, Epps released a brand new EP titled FreeBase for free digital download. It includes 7 songs, and includes features from Lil Boosie, A$AP Rocky, Rick Ross and more. The EP has earned over 200,000 downloads.[43] In January 2014 Epps released a promotional single "I'm A Dog".

2016–present: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music

On January 27, 2016 Epps released an EP titled "Felt Like Cappin" the EP was released via online streaming sites and iTunes, the EP is promoted by the single "Back On That Bullshit" featuring Lil Wayne.[44]

Personal life

Family

Epps has two daughters; Heaven and Harmony.[45][46] On October 14, 2015, 2 Chainz welcomed his third child, a baby boy named Halo.[47]

At the age of 15, Epps was convicted of felony cocaine possession.[48] On February 14, 2013, Epps was arrested in Maryland en route to a concert at UMES for marijuana possession. Epps was then cited and released.[49]

On June 11, 2013, Epps was arrested while on board a departing flight at LAX airport for possession of a controlled substance after TSA agents found that his checked bag contained marijuana and promethazine. He was booked and charged with felony narcotics possession. Later that day he posted $10,000 bond and was released. He was due back in court on June 21, 2013.[50] Two days previous, he was reportedly robbed at gunpoint outside a medical marijuana dispensary in San Francisco.[51]

Just before midnight on August 21, 2013, Epps' tour bus was pulled over in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, because the passenger side taillights were out. The arresting officer reported that he smelled marijuana and saw smoke through the open door of the bus after he had stopped and pulled over the bus. The driver of the bus shut the door and told officers he was not authorized to allow them on the bus. The officer said the marijuana smell gave him probable cause to search, but the driver refused to open the door. After many attempts to enter, the bus was towed with the men still aboard to the police training center in Oklahoma City. Officers obtained a search warrant and the 10 men, including Epps, got off the bus. Police discovered two semi-automatic pistols and a 12-gauge pump shotgun, along with some prescription painkillers and marijuana residue, on the tour bus according to papers filed Oklahoma County district Court.[52]

Business Ventures

In October 2016, he opened a line of hoodies called CEO Millionaires or Create Every Opportunity Millionaires.[53] He also has his own line of sweaters called "Dabbing Sweaters."[54]

Discography

The Real University

The Real University
Founded 2015
Founder 2 Chainz (CEO)
Status Active
Country of origin United States
Location Atlanta, Georgia

On January 6, 2015, 2 Chainz announced that he was starting his own independent record label "The Real University" (also known as "T.R.U."; or "The Real U").[55][56] The announcement also revealed that frequent collaborators Cap.1 & Skooly were signed. Additionally, they signed former Young Money[57][58] artist Short Dawg, who is now known as Fresh. Along with the announcement of the label's founding, they also revealed they'd be releasing their debut mixtape TRU Jack City on January 27, 2015.

Artists

Discography

Artist Title Album details
Cap.1 Bird Bath EP
  • Released: January 13, 2015[59]
  • Label: The Real University
  • Format: Digital Download

Awards and nominations

BET Awards

Year Nominee/work Award Result
2013 2 Chainz Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Nominated
"Mercy" (with Kanye West, Big Sean and Pusha T) Video of the Year Nominated
Best Collaboration Nominated
"No Lie" (with Drake) Nominated
Video of the Year Nominated
"Fuckin' Problems" (with A$AP Rocky, Drake and Kendrick Lamar) Nominated
Best Collaboration Won
Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice Nominated
2016 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne Best Duo/Group Nominated
2017 Nominated
"No Problem" (with Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne) Best Collaboration Won

BET Hip Hop Awards

Year Nominee/work Award Result
2012[60] "Mercy" (with Kanye West, Big Sean and Pusha T) Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group) Won
Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse Won
Best Club Banger Nominated
Best Hip Hop Video Nominated
"No Lie" (featuring Drake) Nominated
People's Champ Award Won
Himself Rookie of the Year Won
Made You Look Award Nominated
Hustler of the Year Nominated
MVP of the Year Nominated
2013[61] Nominated
Best Live Performer Nominated
Made You Look Award Nominated
"Fuckin' Problems"
(with A$AP Rocky, Drake and Kendrick Lamar)		 Best Hip Hop Video Nominated
Reese’s Perfect Combo Award (Best Collabo, Duo or Group) Won
Best Club Banger Nominated
People's Champ Award Nominated
2016[62] "Watch Out" Best Hip Hop Video Nominated
"No Problem" Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse Nominated

Grammy Awards

Year Nominee/work Award Result
2013[63] Based on a T.R.U. Story Best Rap Album Nominated
"Mercy" (with Kanye West, Big Sean and Pusha T) Best Rap Performance Nominated
Best Rap Song Nominated
2014[64] "Fuckin' Problems" (with ASAP Rocky, Drake and Kendrick Lamar) Nominated
2017[65] "No Problem" (with Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne) Nominated
Best Rap Performance Won

Soul Train Awards

References

  1. ↑ "2 Chainz Gets His Big Booty Birthday Wish". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 2015-06-15.
  2. ↑ "2 Chainz". Sportsagents.net. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  3. ↑ "Critic Reviews for Based on a T.R.U. Story". Metacritic. Retrieved 2012-11-20.
  4. ↑ Boardman, Madeline (January 28, 2015). "2 Chainz Might Run for Mayor of College Park, Georgia: Rapper Gets Political". Us Weekly. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Stern, Marlow (March 27, 2016). "2 Chainz Is No Donald Trump Fan". The Daily Beast. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Tauheed Epps". S-R CBB. Retrieved July 4, 2017.
  7. ↑ "How good was 2 Chainz at basketball?". ESPN. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  8. ↑ Vanessa Quilantan (September 25, 2012). "Five Reasons Why 2 Chainz Should Make A Presidential Bid". The Observer. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  9. 1 2 3 "Playaz Circle". Dub Magazine. Dub Publishing. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Cordor, Cyril. "Playaz Circle – Biography". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  11. 1 2 Vasquez, Andres (March 15, 2012). "2 Chainz Reveals Album Title, Speaks On Leaving Ludacris' Label". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  12. 1 2 "2 Chainz Opens Up About Why He Was Named 'Tity Boi', T.R.U. Realigion Mixtape, and his Use of Codeine Syrup. 2 Chainz also collaborated with 8 Rochester rapper "Dale Mahoney" on his mixtape "Jordans&Drugs" in 2012.". Vibe. Vibe Media. October 27, 2011. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  13. ↑ Harling, Danielle (January 3, 2012). "2 Chainz Explains His Decision To Drop Tity Boi As A Stage Name, Says 2 Chainz Is More "Family Friendly"". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  14. ↑ "2 Chainz – Charts & Awards – Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  15. ↑ Bark, Theo (April 3, 2012). "2 Chainz, 'Based on a T.R.U. Story': Rapper Reveals Producers on LP, Speaks on Kanye West". The Boombox. AOL. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  16. ↑ "No Lie (feat. Drake) – Single by 2 Chainz". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  17. ↑ West, Kanye (May 11, 2012). "2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he's G.O.O.D!!!!!". Twitter. Twitter. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
  18. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (May 12, 2012). "2 Chainz Responds To G.O.O.D. Music Signing Rumors". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  19. ↑ "Ciara Announces New Album One Woman Army". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved 30 May 2012.
  20. ↑ Vazquez, Edwin. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/19/2012". Cheri Media Group. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  21. ↑ "Critic Reviews for Based on a T.R.U. Story". Metacritic. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  22. ↑ Paine, Jack. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/23/2012". Cheri Media Group. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  23. ↑ Murphy, Keith. "Editor". CBS Local.
  24. ↑ Markman, Rob. "2012 BET Hip Hop Awards Belong To Kanye West, 2 Chainz". MTV News. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  25. ↑ Fitzgerald, Trent. "2 Chainz Crowned Man Of the Year by The Source Magazine". Popcrush. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  26. ↑ Crates, Jake. "2 Chainz Featured in Champs Sports Commercials and Facebook Digital Game for Adidas Originals". AllHipHop. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  27. ↑ Kathiya, Henna. "2 Chainz, Azealia Banks, Lil Wayne And More Star In Beats By Dre Ad". MTV RapFix. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  28. ↑ Watson, Andrew. "2 Chainz Discusses Grammy Nomination For Rap Album Of The Year, Thanks Kanye West And Drake". The Versed. Archived from the original on 2012-12-10. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  29. ↑ "2 Chainz Has Three Songs Recorded For Sophomore LP". Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  30. ↑ "XXL Presents... The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-01-14. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  31. ↑ "Law & Order: SVU Exclusive: Kathryn Erbe Returns for 'Big' Fin Episode". TVLine.com. Retrieved April 9, 2013.
  32. ↑ "2 Chainz Guest Stars On "2 Broke Girls"". www.hiphopdx.com. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
  33. ↑ Paine, Jake (2013-08-22). "2 Chainz "B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time" Release Date, Tracklist & Production Credits | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  34. ↑ Langhorne, Cyrus (2013-06-03). "2 Chainz Has The "Feds Watching" At Summer Jam [Video". Sohh.Com. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  35. ↑ "Exclusive: Pharrell On the Making Of 2 Chainz 'Feds Watching' Single". Vibe. 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  36. ↑ "2 Chainz B.O.A.T.S. II and Drake at Hot 107.9 Atlanta Birthday Bash". Complex. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  37. ↑ "2 Chainz Is Pissed At The Amount Of Copies His Album Shipped – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-09-10. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  38. ↑ "Tracklisting: 2 Chainz – ‘B.O.A.T.S. 2 #MEtime’". Rap-Up.com. 2013-08-22. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  39. ↑ "B.O.A.T.S. II: #METIME Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  40. ↑ "Keith Urban Edges the Weeknd for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200". Billboard. 2012-12-01. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  41. ↑ *Please enter your name. (2013-10-26). "Xxlmag.com". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  42. ↑ "2 Chainz Announces Next Solo Album & Joint Project With Lil Wayne". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2016-02-22.
  43. ↑ "Datpiff.com". Datpiff.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  44. ↑ "TIDAL". Listen.tidal.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  45. ↑ "2 Chainz Talks Legalization, Voting Rights & Fatherhood". Papermag. May 4, 2015. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  46. ↑ "2 Chainz Reveals Whether He Lets His Children Listen To His Music". HipHopDX. October 22, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2015.
  47. ↑ "2 Chainz Welcomes Third Child: A Baby Boy". BallerStatus.com. October 15, 2015.
  48. ↑ "2 Chainz Breakfast Club Interview". Complex. 2013-07-25. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  49. ↑ "2 Chainz Arrested in Maryland on Marijuana Charge". Rolling Stone. February 15, 2013.
  50. ↑ "2 Chainz Arrested In LAX For Possession Of Marijuana And Promethazine – XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  51. ↑ "Rapper 2 Chainz robbed outside S.F. marijuana dispensary". SFGate.com. Associated Press. June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  52. ↑ MICHAEL MCNUTT mmcnutt@opubco.com • (2013-09-03). "Oklahoma City police found weapons, painkillers on rapper's tour bus, court papers show". News OK. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  53. ↑ Goddard, Kevin (14 October 2016). "2 Chainz releases line of hoodies". Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  54. ↑ Goddard, Kevin (19 November 2016). "2 Chainz releases line of sweaters called "Dabbin Sweaters"". Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  55. ↑ "2 Chainz Announces The Real University Label With Mix-tape "Tru Jack City"". The Source. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  56. ↑ *Please enter your name. (2015-01-06). "2 Chainz Featuring Cap 1 And Young Dolph "Trap House Stalkin" – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  57. ↑ "Short Dawg | Young Money Artist". Youngmoneyhq.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  58. ↑ Amir Diamond. "Find Out Why Short Dawg aka Fre$h Is No Longer With Young Money!! | 97.9 The Box". Theboxhouston.com. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  59. ↑ "Bird Bath EP by Cap1 on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2016-05-07.
  60. ↑ "2012 Hip Hop Awards Winners & Nominees". bet.com. BET. April 25, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
  61. ↑ BET Staff (April 23, 2016). "2013 Hip Hop Awards Winners & Nominees". bet.com. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  62. ↑ http://www.bet.com/shows/hip-hop-awards/2016/photos/show/and-the-nominees-are.html#!HHA-PageProperties-1x1-HipHopVideo
  63. ↑ "Grammys 2013: Complete list of nominees and winners". Los Angeles Times. 10 February 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  64. ↑ "Grammys 2014: Winners list". CNN. 27 January 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  65. ↑ "Grammy Awards 2017: The Full List Of Winners". npr.org. 12 February 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
  66. ↑ "Soul Train Awards Highlights: Kanye Has No "Mercy"". BET. Retrieved 1 May 2017. Kanye West's "Mercy" wins Best Hip Hop Song of the Year.
  67. ↑ "OKP News: Soul Train Awards 2012 Nominations". Okayplayer. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
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