By Sierra Williams
Sports Editor
The competitive world of hip-hop is full of unique artists with varying styles and forms of expression. 2 Chainz literally made it apparent that he is one of a kind with his single “I’m Different”. However, he failed to keep his word in his second studio album, “B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time.”
Before the Georgia born rapper started his solo career under the pseudonym “2 Chainz”, he was Tity Boi. Under the stage name, he was half of the hip hop duo “Playaz Circle” along with longtime friend and other member, Dolla Boy. The group was signed to Ludacris’ label, Disturbing Tha Peace, and are known for their hit single “Duffle Bag Boy”.
After signing to Def Jam Records as a solo artist, 2 Chainz released his first solo studio album, “Based on a T.R.U. Story,” which featured popular singles including “No Lie”, “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different”. This album received varying reviews. 2 Chainz is also known for making appearances on songs by artists like A$AP Rocky, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj.
In “B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time,” 2 Chainz failed to offer a different sound . The production is impressive, but the majority of the songs sound the same with the exception of a few. As far as lyricism, the rapper lacks substance. It comes off as if 2 Chainz is just rhyming words together for the sake of rhyming. His rapping about material things is boring which makes it very empty and meaningless for the most part.
One of the problems with this album is that it does not have a central theme. B.O.A.T.S. is an acronym for “Based On a Tru Story” and one could assume that 2 Chainz would have a more mature approach, in which he does in comparison to his last album, but it could be much better. If 2 Chainz used this album to tell a story he should have taken it seriously by discussing things that matter. He often raps about all of his money, women, designer glasses and shoes making his music only suitable for party-like environments.
“Feds Watching” is the first single to be released from the album and is probably the best song on the it. Fantastically produced by Pharrell, this song has a danceable beat and the lyrics are just as materialistic and boastful. It is a fun song to listen to.
In addition to an appearance by Pharrell, this album features contributions from well-known producers like Mike WiLL Made-It, Wonder Arillo, Diplo and Mannie Fresh. Each of these producers added their style to this album, making the each beat memorable in their own way. It is easy to say that the production is the most notable thing on this album.
This album also features appearances from prominent artists on the hip hop scene. These artists include Drake, Lil Wayne, Fergie, T-Pain, Lloyd, Mase, Chrisette Michelle, Pusha T, Dolla Boy, IAMSU and Rich Homie Quan. 2 Chainz did a brilliant job of choosing who he wanted on his album because it adds variety to the songs. 2 Chainz’ constant rapping about the same thing is dull and these artists make up for it.
2 Chainz’s second studio album should have been far more interesting. Since his first studio album, 2 Chainz really shows no sign of improvement or change in his most recent product.
“B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time” is available on iTunes.
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