By Preemo
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
There is no shortage of 2 Chainz music, that’s for sure. Last year, 2 Chainz made the official graduation from mixtapes to mainstream with Based on a T.R.U. Story. That is the true detailing of unsigned to undisputed. Before the people had a chance to miss him, 2 Chainz began working on his sophomore album.
B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time is the sophomore record from 2 Chainz and it is due in less than two months. “Feds Watching” featuring Pharrell is the first single off the album and it has had strong showings at both Hot 97’s Summer Jam and the BET Awards. The summer is shaping up to be a good one for 2 Chainz.
2 Chainz talked to The Village Voice earlier this week. He talked about the Me Time album, the “Feds Watching” single, his robbery, and his T.R.U. imprint. There is a lot going on in the world of 2 Chainz and he felt inclined to speak on his experiences with this outlet.
Read an excerpt of 2 Chainz’ Village Voice interview below:
What up 2 Chainz? Pardon the intrusion. You must be busy working on B.O.A.T.S. 2.
No that’s pretty much done. I’m just finishing up the mixing. I’m adding a few samples, taking away a few samples. I’m still arranging the album too and also getting the credits right to make that side of the business is taken care of.What do you say to the critics who think your subject matter isn’t varied enough? I mean, I can tell when I speak to you you’re a smart dude. Do you dumb your shit down?
My answer to the critics is this, and I quote: Smart people can act dumb but dumb people can’t act smart. That goes to every critic that doesn’t know I never made a C in high school, just A’s and B’s. It just so happens I have an understanding about real life. Where I’m from no one wants Jesse Jackso–they want a nigga that tells it like it is. Strippers and dope dealers who ride foreign cars. I take [listeners] on a walk though that neighborhood, through that lifestyle. When I came in the game with “Duffle Bag Boyz,” I was already wearing Gucci. That’s how I came in the game. This album, of course, it’s some growth. I’m talking about prosperity more but I’m not going to stop talking real shit that we see on the news. So all those critics can miss me with that shit.Robberies also come with fame and money sometimes too. You caught some heat for running from those gun men in that video, but any one from the hood knows there’s no arguing with a gun. You should quit the scene ASAP.
Let me tell you something. Anybody that tells you they wouldn’t run hasn’t been in situations like me. I’ve been a felon since I was 15. Most kids at that age might still be sleeping in the same bed with their siblings. I’m trying to grow to be a wiser person. If you heard shots in Manhattan, Pablo, what would you do?Run.
Exactly. But you know I learned from the experience and like I said I’m striving to be a wiser person.So what’s next for you?
T.R.U. University label is my focus. Have some projects coming out on that. I’m just looking to be competitive. I got that sports edge on these fools. I eat well, get my cardio in. I want it all! I’m amicable with people, but I want everybody up outta here. I want it all!
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