2 Chainz Biography

Tity Boi, widely recognized as 2 Chainz, is a prominent hip-hop artist and one half of the duo Playaz Circle, alongside his long-time collaborator Dolla Boy. Both artists hail from the Southside of Atlanta, where they formed Playaz Circle in the late 1990s. Their initial music career was met with challenges, including 2 Chainz being shot and Dolla Boy serving time in prison. Following these events, they were introduced to Ludacris, a key figure in the industry, who subsequently offered them a record deal with his label, Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), after Dolla Boy's release.

In February 2012, 2 Chainz signed a solo contract with Def Jam Recordings, a major label under Universal Music Group. His first notable appearance as a solo artist came with Kanye West's single "Mercy," which entered the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 13. This was followed by the release of successful singles "No Lie," featuring Drake, and "Birthday Song," featuring Kanye West, both achieving double platinum status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). These releases paved the way for his debut studio album, Based on a T.R.U. Story, launched in August 2012.

While Based on a T.R.U. Story received mixed reviews from critics, it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the charting single "I'm Different." His second album, B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time, was released in 2013 and included the single "Feds Watching," featuring Pharrell Williams. This album garnered a more favorable critical reception but experienced a slight decline in commercial performance compared to its predecessor.

2 Chainz has continued to release music consistently, with notable albums such as 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). In 2024, he parted ways with Def Jam following the release of his collaborative project with Lil Wayne, Welcome 2 Collegrove (2023).

Throughout his career, 2 Chainz has received various awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for his guest role on Chance the Rapper's single "No Problem." He has also been nominated for multiple BET Awards and BET Hip Hop Awards, securing wins in several categories.

In addition to his musical pursuits, 2 Chainz has expanded his profile in popular culture by hosting the Vice TV series Most Expensivest, which premiered in 2017. The series focuses on luxury consumer goods, highlighting his involvement beyond the music industry.