2 Chainz performing live on stage, highlighting the energy of his 2 Chainz songs.
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Governors Ball
2 Chainz’s journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Over four decades, he has become a prominent figure in hip-hop and pop culture. From his Southern roots to global recognition, his story, much like his music, is undeniably “T.R.U.” Starting as Tity Boi in College Park, Georgia, and forming Playaz Circle, his evolution into 2 Chainz marked a significant turning point. Mixtapes like 2011’s T.R.U. REALigion paved the way for mainstream success. By 2012, 2 Chainz was a force, releasing his debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story and collaborating on hits with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and A$AP Rocky. His impact on the music scene was immediate and undeniable, cementing his place among the top artists in the industry.
Since then, 2 Chainz has solidified his position as a rap icon. Known for his sharp wit and lyrical dexterity, he’s the go-to artist for tracks about wealth, women, and street life. His music has evolved, becoming funnier, more nuanced, and increasingly insightful. Often seen as the wise uncle figure, he delivers life lessons wrapped in humor. In Rap Or Go To The League (2019), he reflects on his past drug dealing experiences, showcasing his ability to blend street narratives with celebratory anthems about his “Most Expensivest” lifestyle. His storytelling through 2 Chainz Songs offers listeners a unique blend of struggle and triumph, making his discography a compelling listen.
The Chart-Topping Hits: Anthems and Bangers
(Birthday Song; I’m Different; It’s a Vibe; Good Drank)
2 Chainz has mastered the art of creating massive, anthemic records, making many of his tracks essential 2 Chainz songs for any hip-hop playlist. His distinctive voice, whether booming or smooth, effortlessly commands attention. It cuts through heavy 808s and precisely fills the spaces within the beats. A key to his success is balancing sincerity with humor, a trait evident in his early hit “I’m Different.” Against a backdrop of plinking keys, 2 Chainz introduced his persona as the trap comedian. Lines like, “I don’t feel good, but my trigger happy / Bet the stripper happy, bet they wish they had me / And I wish a n—a would, like a kitchen cabinet,” exemplify his unique blend of wit and street-smart lyricism. Before “I’m Different,” he set the tone for celebratory excess with “Birthday Song,” detailing extravagant birthday wishes and even contemplating burial arrangements with a Gucci twist.
2 Chainz – I’m Different (Explicit)
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As his career progressed, 2 Chainz’s songwriting became more reflective, yet he maintained his hit-making streak. Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2017) featured two standout tracks, “Good Drank” and “It’s a Vibe,” both reaching the Hot 100. “Good Drank” is a mellow trap anthem celebrating, as the title suggests, quality liquor. From his Maybach, 2 Chainz reminisces about his past, cooking drugs while listening to Lil Wayne, blending wistful reflection with boasts of success. “It’s a Vibe” is a perfect fusion of rap and R&B, featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Jhene Aiko, and Trey Songz. While the track is smooth and catchy, 2 Chainz subtly touches on the PTSD from his former life, primarily focusing on the vibe created by women, marijuana, and California weather. These tracks showcase the range within 2 Chainz songs, from party anthems to more introspective pieces.
The Standout Features: Verses That Steal the Show
(Mercy; Bandz A Make Her Dance; F**kin Problems; Big Bank)
Between 2012 and 2014, 2 Chainz became the sought-after feature artist in rap. His guest verses were considered essential for any top-tier hip-hop track, evidenced by his 15 Hot 100 charting songs during this period, alongside numerous underground hits. 2 Chainz brought polish, energy, and humor to every collaboration. He consistently delivers memorable verses, always finding new ways to inject levity and wit into his contributions, never phoning it in.
His feature run in 2012 began with “Mercy,” the Kanye West-led single from Cruel Summer. Despite its five-and-a-half-minute runtime, long for radio play, “Mercy” dominated airwaves, largely due to 2 Chainz’s verse. Following Kanye’s exaggerated boasts, 2 Chainz grounds the track with vivid, firsthand accounts of luxury. He raps about his “Mayonnaise-colored coupe” and humorously confesses to being “drunk and high at the same time” while enjoying “champagne on the airplane.” His verse injected a dose of relatable extravagance, solidifying “Mercy” as one of the iconic 2 Chainz songs in his feature catalog.
Lust is a recurring theme in 2 Chainz’s music, reaching a peak in 2012 and 2013. He featured on Juicy J’s “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” a definitive strip club anthem. Juicy J tapped 2 Chainz, representing Atlanta, the unofficial capital of strip clubs, for his verse. 2 Chainz’s delivery is both enthusiastic and nonchalant. His line, “Let me see you wiggle,” is unexpectedly funny and memorable. Similarly, his hook for A$AP Rocky’s “F**kin Problems,” a song originating from a Drake collaboration, became the centerpiece of a Billboard hit. This pun-heavy, catchy hook is a testament to his ability to create memorable moments even in featured roles, making these collaborations key 2 Chainz songs.
YG – Big Bank ft. 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj (Official Music Video)
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Even after his dominant 2012-2014 run, 2 Chainz remained a sought-after feature artist. In 2018, he delivered a standout verse on YG’s “Big Bank.” He opens with clever rhymes: “Everything proper, no propaganda / Tropicana Goyard bandana.” The following line showcases his wordplay even further: “Yeah I sold dope, I had cornrows / I can you see n—as hatin’ with the door closed.” The slant rhyme and punchline demonstrate his evolved lyricism, proving his continued relevance and impact on contemporary hip-hop, ensuring his feature verses remain essential 2 Chainz songs.
A Complex Character: Duality in His Discography
(El Chapo Jr.; Threat 2 Society)
A significant aspect of 2 Chainz’s artistry is the duality present in his music. He can vividly portray the invincibility of a kingpin while also highlighting the grim consequences of that lifestyle. His discography explores both the triumphs and tragedies of the trap, offering listeners a balanced perspective. Comparing “El Chapo Jr.” and “Threat 2 Society” reveals these contrasting sides of his artistry within 2 Chainz songs.
Threat 2 Society
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“El Chapo Jr.” is an adrenaline-fueled track, driven by thunderous drums and ominous keys. In it, 2 Chainz depicts a world of power and violence, eliminating enemies and indulging in luxury. Conversely, “Threat 2 Society” is a song of regret and reflection. Set against a stirring soul sample, 2 Chainz expresses remorse for his past actions, acknowledging the pain caused by drug dealing and lamenting the loss of a friend. He contrasts this with gratitude for his present life, his wife, and children. This track reveals the multifaceted nature of his “tru” story, highlighting the complexities and contradictions within his experiences and solidifying these tracks as prime examples of the depth found within 2 Chainz songs.
Did we miss one of your favorite 2 Chainz Songs? Let us know in the comments section below.
