Get On Board: 2 Chainz
2 Chainz brings Southern flavor to Soul Train Awards.
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Get on Board With 2 Chainz - Born Tauheed Epps, 2 Chainz is one of rap’s hottest rising acts to come from the Dirty South. Originally rapping under the moniker Tity Boi, 2 Chainz got his start in the late '90s by forming the group Playaz Circle with fellow rapper Dolla Boy. Since going solo, he has garnered a reputation for releasing high-energy mixtapes suitable for both the club and car rides, which has helped boost his career and put him on the track for rap superstardom. (Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
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The Real University - Though 2 Chainz had high profile appearances leading up to 2012, it was the ‘real’-ease of his 2011 mixtape T.R.U. REALigion that positioned him as one of the premiere Southern rap acts. Sporting appearances from T.I., Jadakiss and Young Jeezy as well as production from the likes of Lex Luger, Drumma Boy and DJ Spinz, the DJ Drama hosted mixtape was a sure fire viral hit embraced by rap fans and music critics everywhere.(Photo: Courtesy Disturbing Tha Peace)
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Summer Jam - The saga continued with 2 Chainz performing at Hot 97’s Summer Jam in East Rutherford, NJ. The New York Times went on to praise his performance, asserting that "he achieved something like folk-hero status" due to his appearances.(Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
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Smiles Every Time My Face Face Is up in The Source - Seeing that the rising star was at the tipping point for success, hip hop publication The Source featured him on the cover of their February/March issue alongside Mac Miller and Tyga.(Photo: Courtesy The Source Magazine)
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Rock the Chainz - 2 Chainz hit the Rock the Bells stage with his trademark energy. Although RTB is typically known for more traditional rap acts, 2 Chainz's witty one liners and penchant for humor has swayed over even the most uptight rap fan.(Photo: Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic)
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Award Show Phenom - Although not accompanied by fire this time, 2 Chainz kept the crowd sweating during his set with Lil Wayne for the song "Yuck." Photo: Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
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All Gold No Ice On - 2 Chainz received an astounding response when he came out for Nicki Minaj's show in LA in early August. Truuuuuu. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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From a Cruel Summer to a Sizzling Fall - September marked another huge month for 2 Chainz. On September 12 he celebrated his birthday, which we presume led to the gift which he wished for on "Birthday Song." Two days later, the G.O.O.D. Music Cruel Summer album was released, and five days after that, the G.O.O.D. Music family took over 106 & Park.(Photo: John Ricard / BET).
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SXSW - SXSW bore witness to a legend in the making when 2 Chainz brought out Kanye West during his set at the Malaia World Lounge (which was sponsored by S.O.B.'s). The Internets went ablaze with rumors that Kanye was interested in having 2 Chainz join the ranks of his G.O.O.D. Music label.(Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Roger Kisby/Getty Images
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The Story of His Success - 2 Chainz hit the 106 stage in August to celebrate the release of his album Based on a T.R.U. Story. The album featured hits such as "No Lie" (featuring Drake) and "Birthday Song" (featuring Kanye West).(Photo: John Ricard / BET).
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