2 Chainz Interview
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Def Jam
"You know, I did “Duffle Bag Boy” and we used to wear messenger bags. People used to say they were “men’s purses,” but it was just something we brought to the table."
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Editor's Note: This interview originally ran in October 2012.
What’s in a name? When Tity Boi -- that was really his stage name --changed his moniker to “2 Chainz,” he immediately revitalized his career and became this year’s most ubiquitous rapper, sharing bars alongside Drake, Rick Ross and even Justin Bieber. As he prepares for his debut, Based on a T.R.U. Story, the gentle giant behind last year’s T.R.U. REALigion mixtape took time out from a shopping trip in L.A. to talk luxury threads, style lessons from Kanye West and why every rapper is looking at him.
Based on a T.R.U. Story was released today. Buy it here
Sowmya Krishnamurthy (SK): We recently saw you at the Based on a T.R.U. Story preview at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in NYC. Your Givenchy shirt had a lot of people talking.
2 Chainz (2C): Yeah, you know me. Italian flavor, man. I just be comfortable in my own skin, I might wear anything.
SK: Being fashionable isn’t new for you and, in fact, you were voted Best Dressed in high school. Where did your interest in clothes come from?
2C: I’m from the south side of Atlanta, College Park, and we all really care about our dress code and our apparel and our attire, so I think it’s just something that started when I was growing up. Just trying to be me and up to date and being an individual at the same time.
SK: Describe the style in southern Atlanta compared to other regions in America.
2C: We rugged, we street guys. We have that street element to it but at the same time, it has that flamboyance side. We like to shine.
SK: You especially love accessories and even have the lyric, “The cheapest thing I got on is my belt and it's 400.” Where did this penchant for accessories come from?
2C: I’m just into that, you know what I mean? I don’t know where it came from. You know, my uncle wore a lot of jewelry, a lot of gold chains. But I don’t know, it’s just an element I was around, my love. I can’t say one specific thing led me to like accessories. It’s just something I like doing. You know, I did “Duffle Bag Boy” and we used to wear messenger bags. People used to say they were “men’s purses,” but it was just something we brought to the table.
SK: You’re a luxury hound. At some point, after you have every label, is the brand name even important?
2C: I just like looking nice, love. Sometimes it’s about the logo, sometimes it’s not. I just like looking nice and spiffy.
SK: You’ve put a lot of money into designers’ pockets. Ever thought about your own clothing line?
2C: No, not right now. One thing at a time. Not right now. One thing at a time. Sometimes artists move too fast when it comes to that.
SK: Do brands ever hook you up with free swag when you name-check them?
2C: Sometimes I do. I would like to get more free things, but you know. It is what it is.
SK: Want to use this opportunity and call out any brands in particular that should send you free stuff?
2C: Noooo, I don’t want to call out any brand, my love. It is what it is. True Religion never gave me nothing free and I did a lot for them. YSL never… I just spent $20,000 at Versace. I don’t think they’re going to give me…
SK: You’re close to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music collective. Have you learned anything style-wise from 'Ye?
2C: The thing about 'Ye is he's always thinking ahead; not thinking for the right now. I often think about what’s next, not what’s going on currently.
SK: Speaking of other rappers, fashion can get competitive. Do you look at what anyone else is doing?
2C: I never look at anybody. I’m so engulfed into me right now. I don’t care what anybody else is wearing. I feel like they’re all waiting to see what I have on. If you really want to know the truth, that’s what I think. They’re waiting to see what I’mma do next.
