First there were two boys, now there is 2 Chainz. After taking a break from Playaz Circle, Tity Boi also took a new name. Armed with the extra glossy moniker he hit the feature circuit and appeared on over seventy-five tracks in two years. Furthermore, he toured with Drake and talked shop on ESPN, all while promoting the release of his debut solo album. The Real University allowed 2 Chainz the opportunity to create a movement, and now that Based on a T.R.U. Story is out it’s time to see if it was worth the wait.
Wrapped with a clever cover the album opens on an equally pleasant note. “Yuck” featuring Lil Wayne is a record that hits the ground running, and like most tracks on this endeavor the song is the tale of trapper guest starring an A-list artist. In fact, all three of the CD’s singles are aided by big names. “No Lie” is accompanied by Drake and is currently on top of the charts; “Birthday Song” is blessed by Yeezy with an abstract video in the works; and “I Luv Dem Strippers” sees Nicki back on her grizzly. That said, they are not the only co-piloted projects worth mentioning, with “Ghetto Dreams” which includes a top-notch verse from his mentor, Scarface. Perhaps best of all is the return of the Playaz Circle on “Stop Me Now” which is backed by a rebranded beat, with Tity and Dolla reveling within their reunion.
Not all tracks are duets. In fact, the solo songs offer some insight into 2 Chainz. Out of the thirteen tracks, a meager four are attempted alone. Three are all about the trap, and the other discusses his unique nature. None are in line to be the next single, yet are all acoustically appealing. Considering these are the beats that he wanted all to himself, the listener is illuminated as to what an increasingly independent album may sound like. With “I’m Diffrent” and “Money Machine” being the best out of the four, he does have room for future lyrical advancement.
In general, 2 Chainz isn’t a deep lyricist. He’s a trapper turned rapper all about money, hoes, and clothes. Money for the most part, but on “Extremely Blessed” and “In Town” he takes time out for the ladies. Musically these are the most complex songs on the album with intros, bridges, and ride outs provided by a pair of crooners.
In addition, the bonus cuts included on the deluxe edition should be mentioned. Aside from “Riot” the other three songs are a collection of feel good concepts put to popular samples and sounds. Not the artist’s best work, but still better extras than most albums offer. Lastly, though 2 Chainz isn’t celebrated for his word play at least one quote should be included herein: “Tall nigga with a short temper, I do it for niggas that never had shit… true story, highlight! Two stories, 2 Chainz & Tity Boi …” Suffice to say this chapter was an enjoyable one.