2 Chainz | |
|---|---|
 2 Chainz performing in 2017 | |
| Born | Tauheed K. Epps September 12, 1977 College Park, Georgia, U.S. |
| Other names |
|
| Alma mater | Virginia State University (BS) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse |
Kesha Ward (m. 2018) |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Discography | 2 Chainz discography |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | 2chainz |
Tauheed K. Epps (born September 12, 1977),[4][5] known professionally as 2 Chainz (formerly Tity Boi), is an American rapper and actor. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, he gained recognition as one-half of the Southern hip-hop duo Playaz Circle, alongside hometown rapper Earl "Dolla Boy" Conyers. The duo signed with fellow Georgia-based rapper Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace label and became best known for their 2007 debut single "Duffle Bag Boy" (featuring Lil Wayne).
In February 2012, Epps signed a solo recording contract with Def Jam Recordings, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. In April of that year, his guest performance on Kanye West's single, "Mercy" marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo act, peaking at number 13. In the following months, his singles "No Lie" (featuring Drake) and "Birthday Song" (featuring Kanye West) were released to continued success, both of which received double platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and preceded the release of his debut studio album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, in August of that year. Despite mixed critical reception, it peaked atop the Billboard 200 and spawned the top 40 single "I'm Different".[6] His second album, B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013), was led by the single "Feds Watching" (featuring Pharrell Williams) and saw improved critical reception despite a slight commercial decline. Epps has since released the albums ColleGrove (2016), Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2017), Rap or Go to the League (2019), So Help Me God! (2020), and Dope Don't Sell Itself (2022).[7] He had left Def Jam in 2024, a year after releasing his collaborative album with Lil Wayne, Welcome 2 Collegrove (2023).[8][9]
Epps has won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for his guest appearance on Chance the Rapper's single "No Problem"—from six nominations. His other accolades include three BET Awards from 11 nominations and five BET Hip Hop Awards from 19 nominations. He has also hosted Vice TV's 2017 reality series Most Expensivest, in which he reviews luxury consumer goods; it aired for four seasons.
- ^ Stonebrook, Ian (September 11, 2017). "Interview // 2 Chainz Talks Drench God Nickname & Backing the Under Armour C1N". Nice Kicks. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
- ^ "Trap Music Museum is the Monument Dirty South Hip-Hop Deserves". February 11, 2021. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ "Bigger Than You (feat. Drake & Quavo) – Single by 2 Chainz". June 15, 2018. Archived from the original on April 4, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2018 – via itunes.apple.com.
- ^ "2 Chainz Gets His Big Booty Birthday Wish". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on May 10, 2019. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
- ^ "2 Chainz". Sportsagents.net. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ "Critic Reviews for Based on a T.R.U. Story". Metacritic. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
- ^ "2 Chainz Explains Reason Why He Left Ludacris' DTP and Def Jam". HipHopXXIV.com. August 2022.
- ^ Paul, Bryson "Boom" (October 15, 2024). "2 Chainz Makes Huge Announcement He Left Def Jam". HOT 97. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
- ^ Schube, Will (October 15, 2024). "2 Chainz Crowns Himself 'Biggest Free Agent In The Game' After Leaving Def Jam". HipHopDX. Retrieved November 1, 2024.