2 Chainz | |
|---|---|
 2 Chainz performing in 2017 | |
| Born | Tauheed K. Epps (1977-09-12)September 12, 1977 (age 47) College Park, Georgia, U.S. |
| Other names |
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| Alma mater | Virginia State University (BS) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1997–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Discography | 2 Chainz discography |
| Labels | |
| Formerly of | |
| Website | 2chainz |
Musical artist | |
Tauheed K. Epps (born September 12, 1977),[4][5] known professionally as2 Chainz (formerlyTity Boi), is an American rapper and actor. Born and raised inCollege Park, Georgia, he gained recognition as one-half of theSouthern hip-hop duoPlayaz Circle, alongside hometown rapper Earl "Dolla Boy" Conyers. The duo signed with fellow Georgia-based rapperLudacris'Disturbing tha Peace label and became best known for their 2007 debut single "Duffle Bag Boy" (featuringLil Wayne).
In February 2012, Epps signed a solo recording contract withDef Jam Recordings, a subsidiary ofUniversal Music Group. In April of that year, his guest performance onKanye West's single, "Mercy" marked his first entry on theBillboard Hot 100 as a solo act, peaking at number 13. In the following months, his singles "No Lie" (featuringDrake) and "Birthday Song" (featuring Kanye West) were released to continued success, both of which receiveddouble platinum certifications by theRecording 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 theBillboard 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" (featuringPharrell Williams) and saw improved critical reception despite a slight commercial decline. Epps has since released the albumsColleGrove (2016),Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2017),Rap or Go to the League (2019),So Help Me God! (2020), andDope 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 aGrammy Award forBest Rap Performance for his guest appearance onChance the Rapper's single "No Problem"—from six nominations. His other accolades include threeBET Awards from 11 nominations and fiveBET Hip Hop Awards from 19 nominations. He has also hostedVice TV's 2017 reality seriesMost Expensivest, in which he reviews luxury consumer goods; it aired for four seasons.
2 Chainz was born Tauheed Epps inCollege Park, Georgia.[10] He attendedNorth Clayton High School, where he played basketball and graduated second in his class.[11] While in high school, he dealtmarijuana and was arrested for felonycocaine possession when he was 15 years old.[11]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[12] |
| Career information | |
| High school | North Clayton (College Park, Georgia) |
| College | Alabama State (1995–1997) |
| Position | Forward |
He later attendedAlabama State University on a scholarship and played on its basketball team from 1996 to 1997.[13]
Rolling Stone asked 2 Chainz about longstanding rumors, widely reported by many sources, includingWikipedia, that he had graduated from Alabama State with a 4.0 GPA. He replied, "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."[14] In fact, he transferred toVirginia State University due to circumstances he was reluctant to speak about. "I got into some trouble, went somewhere else, and came back. But I graduated, and that's that. That was then," he said.[11]
| Season | FGM | FGA | FG% | FTM | FTA | FT% | PPG | RPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–96 | 9 | 25 | .360 | 7 | 13 | .538 | 2.4 | 0.2 |
| 1996–97 | 27 | 61 | .443 | 12 | 31 | .387 | 3.0 | 2.2 |
Epps formed the hip hop duoPlayaz Circle (the word "Playaz" having been made into abackronym for "Preparing Legal Assets for Years from A to Z")[16] inCollege Park, Georgia, in 1997, with his high school friend Earl Conyers (known as Dolla Boy), while Epps adopted "Tity Boi" as hismoniker.[17] Following the release of anindependent album titledUnited We Stand, United We Fall (2002),[16] the duo was introduced to fellow Atlanta rapperLudacris when he moved into their College Park apartment complex while he was acting as aDJ.[17] After taking interest in Playaz Circle, Ludacris began to record several songs with the group, playing some of them on hisradio station.[16]
Ludacris soon became one of the highest-selling rappers in theSouthern United States.[17] After hearing of their situation, Ludacris requested from Epps that the duo join his newly formed record label,Disturbing Tha Peace, a subsidiary ofDef 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.[17]
The duo's release their debut album,Supply & Demand, on October 30, 2007. Theirlead single and debut track, "Duffle Bag Boy", became urban hit. FeaturingLil Wayne, they performed the song at theBET 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 the single "Big Dawg" featuring Lil Wayne andBirdman, at Studio Space Atlanta. Shortly afterwards, Epps left Disturbing tha Peace to advance his career. Although Ludacris was initially reluctant, feeling Epps could still be financially successful, he eventually accepted the decision.[18]
Epps faced allegations of sexism for his originalpseudonym, "Tity Boi", although he has repeatedly denied such accusations.[19] In early 2011, he decided to change his stage name to "2 Chainz," as he perceived it to be more "family–friendly." Regarding the name change, he further explained toVibe magazine: "The name Tity Boi actually came from my big mama, from me being spoiled and an only child—breastfed. My mama called me Tity Boi, my dad called me Tity Man, my hood called me Tit so when we was trying to rap I had been going by Tit my whole life, Tit, Tity, Tity Man —it's just like a country nickname —term for being an only child."[20][21] Following the name change, Epps released amixtape titledT.R.U. REALigion, which became his first mixtape to appear on the music charts, peaking at number 58 on the USBillboardTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[22] After the success of the mixtape, Epps made numerousguest appearances on tracks by prominent artists such as[19]Kanye West ("Mercy") andNicki Minaj ("Beez in the Trap").
On March 24, 2012, Epps announced that his debutstudio album, originally titledT.R.U. to My REALigion,[23] would be renamedBased on a T.R.U. Story and released on August 14, 2012.[24] The album's lead single, "No Lie," featured Canadian rapperDrake, was released on May 8, 2012.[25] On May 11, rumors spread that Epps had signed with Kanye West'sGOOD Music label after Westtweeted, "2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he's G.O.O.D!!!!!"[26] 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."[27] On May 30, 2012, 2 Chainz was featured onCiara's promotional single "Sweat," the intended lead single from her fifth studio album,One Woman Army.[28]
Based on a T.R.U. Story debuted at number one on the USBillboard 200, selling 147,000 copies in its first week.[29] The album received mixed reviews, earning a score of 55 onmetacritic.[30] By September 23, 2012, it had sold 288,000 copies in the United States.[31] That September, Epps performed at the2012 MTV Video Music Awards alongside his longtime friendLil Wayne. After releasing his debut album,Based on a T.R.U. Story, Epps made significant strides. He organized his first solo worldwide tour, selling out most of its dates. He was nominated for over 13BET Hip Hop Awards,[32] and he won four;[33] he earnedThe Source Magazine's "Man of the Year" award,[34] released collaborative endeavors with ADIDAS[35] and later Beats By Dre;[36] and received nominations for threeGrammy Awards, including Best Rap Album.[37]
In late 2012, Epps stated that once he completed theB.O.A.T.S. concert tour, he would reenter 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.[38][39] The rapper made a guest appearance onNBC'sLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit in an episode that aired on May 8, 2013.[40] He also appeared as himself in the second season (episode 16, titled "...And Just Plane Magic") of theCBS sitcom2 Broke Girls, where he traveled on the same private planes as the two main characters.[41] On May 23, 2013, he announced that he would release his second studio album,B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time, on September 10, 2013.[42] On June 2, 2013, Epps premiered the first single from the album, titled "Feds Watching," at theHot 97's Summer Jam. The song featuresPharrell Williams, and they recorded it on the night of the2013 Grammy Awards.[43][44] On June 15, Epps announced the title of his second album would beB.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time.[45] Def Jam Recordings released the album on September 10, 2013.[46]
B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time featuredguest appearances fromPharrell Williams,Fergie,Drake,Lil Wayne,Pusha T,Mase,Chrisette Michele,Iamsu!,T-Pain, Dolla Boy,Rich Homie Quan, andLloyd.Diplo,Mike WiLL Made It,Drumma Boy,J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League,Mannie Fresh, Wonder Arillo,Honorable C.N.O.T.E., andDJ Toomp handled the production of the album.[47] The single "Used 2," along with thepromotional singles "Where U Been?" and "Netflix," support it.Music critics generally gave the album positive reviews.[48] It also fared decently commercially, debuting at number three on the USBillboard 200 and number two on theTop R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 63,000 copies in its first week.[49]
On October 23, 2013, Epps revealed that he had begun working on his third studio album immediately following the release ofB.O.A.T.S. II. He also stated that he had the first single from his third album ready for release and that he still wanted to getJay-Z featured on the album.[50] In November 2015, 2 Chainz revealed that he was releasing a joint album withLil Wayne, titledColleGrove.[51] On May 5, 2014, Epps released a brand new EP titledFreeBase for free digital download. The album featured seven songs and collaborations withLil Boosie,A$AP Rocky,Rick Ross, and other artists. The EP earned over 200,000 downloads.[52] In January 2014, Epps released a promotional single titled "I'm a Dog."
On January 27, 2016, Epps released an EP titledFelt Like Cappin. He released it on online streaming sites andiTunes. The single "Back On That Bullshit" featuringLil Wayne promoted the EP[53]
In 2016, Epps kicked off the year by releasing a collaborative album with rapper Lil Wayne titledColleGrove in March. The album was supposed to mark the debut collaboration between 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. However, Wayne's legal battle withCash Money Records stopped him from taking the lead on the album. As a result, Epps assumed the role of the main artist on the album, with Lil Wayne making appearances on eight tracks. The album features prominent producers such asHonorable C.N.O.T.E.,Mike Will Made It,Zaytoven,TM88,Metro Boomin,London on da Track, and more.ColleGrove received decent reviews from critics and fans.
Epps continued his work in 2016 with the August 5 release of the mixtapeDaniel Son: Necklace Don, a 9-track mixtape that Epps released independently. Originally, the mixtape includedDrake andYFN Lucci, but Epps decided to transfer the track "Big Amount ft. Drake" to the 2017 studio albumPretty Girls Like Trap Music due to its widespread appeal and the stellar performance by the featured artist.Daniel Son: Necklace Don received a 3-out-of-5-star review fromXXL magazine.
2016 was wrapped up by Epps's third mixtape, titledHibachi for Lunch, which was released on October 28. The 7-track mixtape originally featuredQuavo,Gucci Mane,Ty Dolla Sign, andFuture. However, the song "Good Drank ft.Quavo andGucci Mane" was moved toPretty Girls Like Trap Music.Mike Will Made It, K Swisha, andBuddah Bless were the notable producers for the project.
In 2017, Epps released his fourth studio album, titledPretty Girls Like Trap Music, on June 16 onDef Jam Recordings. The album featuredTravis Scott,Nicki Minaj,Swae Lee,Migos,Jhene Aiko,Pharrell Williams, and more.Mike Will Made It,Buddah Bless,Mike Dean,Murda Beatz, and others produced the album. Three officialsingles supported the album: "Good Drank", "It's a Vibe," and "4 AM". Additionally, a nationwide concert tour and severalpop-up shops across the US promoted the album.[1][2] 2 Chainz alluded to the album showing "growth and maturation." He stated that the content would retain its edginess while elevatingtrap music to a level everyone could appreciate.Pretty Girls Like Trap Music received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics calling it his best album yet.
On November 15, 2017, the first episode ofMost Expensivest aired on the TV networkViceland. The show focused on 2 Chainz visiting different locations and offering the "most expensive" goods and services. Each show covers a particular theme, ranging from personal health to extravagant indulgences. The show offered a unique insight into products and services that have been created with the explicit intent of being exclusive and expensive. 2 Chainz offered a unique and often humorous insight into the products, especially the ones that he personally found to be either amazing or ridiculous. The network renewed the show for a 20-episode third season, which aired in early 2019.[54]
Epps released his fourth EP,The Play Don't Care Who Makes It, on February 8, 2018, throughDef Jam Recordings. The EP includes four songs, withYG andOffset featuring on the track "Proud."T-Minus, June James, Nonstop Da Hitman, Streetrunner, and others handled the production.
On February 19, 2018, Epps announced his new album,Rap or Go to the League, initially set for release in 2018, but eventually released on March 1, 2019. Epps took to the mic on March 26, 2020, to announce the release ofColleGrove 2, a sequel to their 2016 albumColleGrove, slated for later that year.[55]
In August 2020, following hisVerzuz battle withRick Ross, Epps announced that he would title his upcoming sixth albumSo Help Me God! The album initially had a release date set for September 25, 2020. However, in the week leading up to its planned release, delays occurred due to sample clearances. Epps said, "It should be another couple weeks." He then announced its release for November 13, 2020, preceded by the single "Quarantine Thick," featuringLatto.[56]
On September 24, 2020, Epps played againstBig Boi and his family on the season premiere of the reality game showCelebrity Family Feud.[57]
On August 3, 2021, Epps announced that his seventh album would be his last trap album, titledDope Don't Sell Itself.[58]
Epps hosts the concert seriesAmazon Music Live, which premiered on October 27, 2022.[59]
In November 2023, 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne released their first collaborative album together,Welcome 2 Collegrove.[60] It acts as a sequel to Epps' third studio album,ColleGrove (2016), though both performers are finally billed as co-leading artists following the latter's label dispute being settled.50 Cent also acts as a skit narrator on the album.[61] Released on November 17, it debuted at number twenty on theBillboard 200, with first-week equivalent units of 34,000, despite mixed critical reviews.[62] It was supported by two singles, "Presha" and "Transparency" (featuring singerUsher).[63]
On October 14, 2024, after 22 years under Def Jam (his first eight through Ludacris' imprint and the following fourteen under the parent label), Epps announced that he parted ways with the label after choosing not to resign, deeming himself a "free agent".[8][9][64]
On February 7, 2025, 2 Chainz,Larry June, andthe Alchemist linked up to release the collaborative studio albumLife Is Beautiful. It marks his first major release since leaving Def Jam.[65]
Epps has two daughters, Heaven, born on July 26, 2008, and Harmony, born on October 20, 2012.[66][67] On October 14, 2015, Epps welcomed his third child, a baby boy named Halo.[68] On August 18, 2018, Epps married his longtime girlfriend and mother of his three children, Kesha Ward.[69]
At the age of 15, Epps received a conviction forfelonycocaine possession.[70] On February 14, 2013, authorities arrested him inMaryland formarijuana possession while he was en route to a concert atUMES. He was then cited and released.[71]
On June 11, 2013, authorities arrested Epps while he was on board a departing flight atLAX airport for possession of a controlled substance. TSA agents discoveredmarijuana andpromethazine in his checked bag. Authorities booked him and charged him with felony narcotics possession. Later that day, he posted a $10,000 bond and was released. He was due back in court on June 21, 2013.[72] Two days prior, reports indicated that he was reportedly robbed at gunpoint outside amedical marijuana dispensary inSan Francisco.[73]
Just before midnight on August 21, 2013, Epps' tour bus was pulled over inOklahoma City, Oklahoma, because the passenger side taillights were out. The arresting officer reported that he smelledmarijuana 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 themarijuana 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. The 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 atOklahoma County District Court.[74]
In October 2016, Epps opened a line of hoodies called CEO Millionaires, or Create Every Opportunity Millionaires.[75] He also has his own line of sweaters called "Dabbing Sweaters."[76]
On May 10, 2019, theAtlanta Hawks announced that 2 Chainz had acquired a minority ownership stake in the team'sNBA G League affiliate, theCollege Park Skyhawks.[77]
Studio albums
Collaborative albums
| The Real University (aka T.R.U., The Real U) | |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Warner Music Group |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founder | 2 Chainz (CEO) |
| Status | Active |
| Distributor(s) | Atlantic |
| 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").[78][79] The announcement also revealed that frequent collaborators Cap.1 and Skooly were signed. Additionally, they signed formerYoung Money[80][81] artist Short Dawg, who is now known as Fresh. They also revealed they would be releasing their debut mixtape,TRU Jack City, on January 27, 2015. On October 4, 2019, 2 Chainz announced that T.R.U. had signed a partnership deal withAtlantic Records.[82]
| Artist | Title | Album details |
|---|---|---|
| Cap.1 | Bird Bath EP |
|
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 Chainz | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated |
| "Mercy"(withKanye West,Big Sean andPusha T) | Video of the Year | Nominated | |
| Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| "No Lie"(withDrake) | Nominated | ||
| Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
| "Fuckin' Problems"(withA$AP Rocky, Drake andKendrick Lamar) | Nominated | ||
| Best Collaboration | Won | ||
| Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne | Best Duo/Group | Nominated |
| 2017 | Nominated | ||
| "No Problem"(withChance the Rapper andLil Wayne) | Best Collaboration | Won |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012[84] | "Mercy"(withKanye West,Big Sean andPusha 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"(featuringDrake) | 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[85] | Nominated | ||
| Best Live Performer | Nominated | ||
| Made You Look Award | Nominated | ||
| "Fuckin' Problems" (withA$AP Rocky, Drake andKendrick 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[86] | "Watch Out" | Best Hip Hop Video | Nominated |
| "No Problem" | Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse | Nominated |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013[87] | Based on a T.R.U. Story | Best Rap Album | Nominated |
| "Mercy"(withKanye West,Big Sean andPusha T) | Best Rap Performance | Nominated | |
| Best Rap Song | Nominated | ||
| 2014[88] | "Fuckin' Problems"(withASAP Rocky,Drake andKendrick Lamar) | Nominated | |
| 2017[89] | "No Problem"(withChance the Rapper andLil Wayne) | Nominated | |
| Best Rap Performance | Won |
Kanye West's "Mercy" wins Best Hip Hop Song of the Year.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
