2 Chainz had one of the notable comebacks in rap, firing off verses in options that almost all rappers aspire to, blurring the road between younger rap and outdated bars. He seamlessly transitioned from Tity Boi to 2 Chainz, revamping his catalog, and making a wave of calmly delivered raps that coast alongside on tracks with out wrestling with the beat. His love of Atlanta, strippers, and flexing on nearly anyone and all people is brandished throughout B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time, the rapper’s second solo album after Primarily based on a TRU Story.
Since its launch, B.O.A.T.S. II has turn into important Chainz listening, together with his charismatic “2 Chaiiiiiinz!!!” sprinkled into almost each monitor, reminding us what adlibs and fast punchlines can add. B.O.A.T.S. II is sonically extra experimental than its predecessor, Primarily based on a TRU Story, however Chainz’s supply stays comfortingly acquainted and constant. His creativity, enthusiasm, and quips hold us listening and nearly praying for him to clarify how a lot richer he’s than us – however differently.
Take heed to 2 Chainz’s B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time now.
Led by singles together with “Feds Watching” that includes Pharrell, “Where U Been?” with Cap. 1, and “Used 2” carried out comparatively properly on the charts. “Where U Been?” lets Chainz taunt the truth that he’s been getting cash for the reason that ‘90s over a twinkling beat, courtesy of Mike Will Made It. And then there’s “Used 2,” produced by Mannie Contemporary, which options the right glisten of nostalgia. On this one, Chainz mimics – however doesn’t insult – Juvenile’s stream on “Back That Ass Up.” The accompanying music video is a lifeless ringer for the unique, too, filmed in New Orleans and exhibiting Chainz, Lil Wayne, Mannie Contemporary, and Juve grinning ear to ear rapping alongside and standing as hometown heroes whereas the block cheers and twerks.
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The hype round B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time didn’t cease with simply music – Chainz continued his theme of hometown consolation with the discharge of a cookbook, appropriately titled: #MEALTIME. It consists of recipes 2 Chainz loved whereas on tour (no beef or pork), created and cooked by Chef Aleem. The 2 created dishes to pair with completely different moods and tracks on the album, noting that the creation of music and the creation of latest recipes are each primarily based on emotions they’ve on the time. Beer-steamed snow crabs is paired with “So We Can Live,” his Me Time Sauce recipe is usually recommended to observe a day of shopping for a brand new match, getting mani-pedis, and re-watching The Wire. The combined seafood kabobs are for a cookout with comforting vibes.
One thing notable about 2 Chainz’s raps is the consolation. A few of his tracks might crackle with harsh realities of promoting medicine to his personal mom or robbing someone, they’re delivered with a matter-of-fact tone you respect from somebody who has actually lived what he raps about. On “Beautiful Pain,” Chainz and Ma$e rap in regards to the sacrifice they’ve made to get what they’ve, crediting it to “beautiful pain” – a wrestle so visceral that it “must be” lovely now that these onerous moments are over. 2 Chainz has talked about in interviews that he doesn’t see a therapist as a result of he doesn’t really feel snug discussing his previous, however that rapping is therapeutic for him. Rapping, for him, can get that ache out after which enable him to gloss into delivering chuckle-worthy punchlines that just about make us neglect the traumatic autobiographical bars he simply gave us.
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On “Black Unicorn,” Chainz raps about being an anomaly and reinventing himself after his final report deal ended. He briefly touches on rising up in poverty: “And when it’s cold outside, so your pipes won’t bust/Turn on your faucet/Drip, fuck the water bill, we stay in apartments/And everything is a obstacle/When they watching you, the hospital needs a hospital.”
After which nearly instantly veers proper into triumph: “And I’m covered in Balmain Instagram pics of my lobster omelette/Selling that Parkay, life ain’t no arcade/Now I got more nines than the fourth grade.”
On “Outroduction,” 2 Chainz narrates a full story we are able to see, speaking to us like we’re proper in entrance of him. It has the frequent theme of creating one thing out of nothing, going from duffel luggage to designer, a heavier message with a scorching, crackling, full-bodied sound to it like a Sunday church refrain.
Editor’s word: This text was first printed in 2018.
