2 Chainz has never been particularly deft at the autobiographical. Even though he titled his smash debut "Based on a T.R.U. Story," Tauheed Epps prefers to share his affinity for Gucci stores and strippers rather than tell listeners what it was like being called "Tity Boi."
But newfound fame can affect artists. Chainz unveiled the title of his September 10 release over the weekend at Atlanta’s legendary Birthday Bash concert: "B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time" or "Based On A The Real University Story II: Me Time." Don’t fret; Chainz’s lines are snappier than his album titles.
The last week alone was chock full of material enough for at least three tracks.
I documented Chainz’s pre-Birthday Bash concert last week in the Bay Area that squared Tity 2 Necklaces against forces inside and outside the law. Controversy swirled as Chainz disputed police reports that he was robbed at gunpoint. The rapper stayed T.R.U. to his talking points until TMZ released video showing how he can haul. Having two guns aimed at your face is scientifically proven to increase acceleration away from a violent confrontation.
To his credit, in his media blitz before the concert, Chainz addressed the episode:
"I saw the gun first," 2 Chainz told Emperor Searcy, Mz Shyneka and Mister Smith. "It was like a .357. It was so heavy he couldn't really hold it. The gun was so big. That's what made me take off running."
"When I went into the street, there was another dude with a whole 'nother gun," he added. "That's when I knew it wasn't like an episode of Punk'd. I was like this is real...I had bullet fragments in my hair...I think he thought he shot me."
Chainz didn’t let his near-death experiences keep him down.