Album Review: 2 Chainz – Based On A T.R.U. Story

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Artist: 2 Chainz
Album: Based on a T.R.U. Story
Label: Def Jam
Date: 8/14/12

 

Ever since the artist formally known as Tity Boy officially became the artist currently known as 2 Chainz his career has skyrocketed to the point where his solo debut Based On a T.R.U. Story has become one of the most anticipated albums of the year. With appearances from the likes of Kanye West, Drake, and Nicki Minaj plus production from Ye, Drumma Boy and Bangladesh how could it not be? However, despite all the big names and all the hype surrounding 2 Chainz for the past year Based On a T.R.U. Story leaves a lot to be desired and unfortunately for 2 Chainz fans is a mediocre album at best.

 

Based on a T.R.U. Story begins with the song “Yuck” which features Lil Wayne and a Streetrunner produced beat that sounds like a Carter II or III leftover. So if you happen to be a fan of that mid to late 00’s sound reminiscent of Wayne’s glory years then you’re most likely going to dig this one. Next, 2 Chainz laces listeners with a pair of D-Boy anthems with the appropriately titled tracks “Crack” and “Dope Peddler.” 2 Chainz takes you to the trap on “Crack” as he spits his signature somewhat-satirical bars over some gully production that is best enjoyed at the highest of volumes. “Dope Peddler” on the other hand is best enjoyed with the volume on mute as Bangladesh completely botches this fitting Tom Lehrer sample, which could have been really dope if it wasn’t wasted on this annoying a$$ beat.

 

Another song to stay away from is the painfully watered down “Extremely Blessed” featuring the Dream. I really have nothing to say about this one other than that this lovey dovey bubble gum wackness is not the type music that anyone wants to hear from an artist like 2 Chainz. On a more positive note, some tracks that are a little more enjoyable include the Drumma Boy produced “Money Machine” and “I’m Different”, which is arguably the best song on the entire album.

 

If there’s one thing that is definitely T.R.U. about 2 Chainz’ music it’s that it is no stranger to the airwaves. If you’ve listened to the radio at least once this summer you’ve heard the hit single “No Lie” featuring Drake and by now most people are familiar with “Birthday Song” which features Kanye West and includes one of the few beats on Based On a T.R.U. Story that is actually above par.  “I Luv Dem Strippers” featuring Nicki Minaj was just released last week as the newest single off the album and rightfully so as it’s hard not to sing along to the chorus (which is identical to the title of the song) because lets be honest, everybody “luvs dem strippers.” Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if the next song to be released as a single was “In Town” featuring Mike Posner, a catchy cut about piping girls you only hit up when you’re in their town.

 


 

The rest of Based On a T.R.U. Story basically consists of cuts that are just average, unless of course we are talking about the deluxe version which actually includes a bunch of tracks that are much better than most of the ones on the regular version, in particular “Wut We Doin” and “Like Me”. However, even with the bonus material this project is still nothing to write home about. Yes, there are a lot of songs that make for good singles on Based On a T.R.U. Story, but the album, as a whole doesn’t offer much beyond that. There’s hype and then there is reality, and the reality is that aside from a few songs, 2 Chainz did not live up to the hype with this album.

 


 

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