Review Roundup: 2 Chainz - 'Based on a T.R.U. Story'
What a difference a year makes. This time last year, 2 Chainz was still best known as Tity Boi, one half of Southern duo Playaz Circle. Since then, he’s been featured on tracks for everyone from Kanye West to Justin Bieber and dropped his highly-anticipated solo debut Based on a T.R.U. Story this week. The star-studded set includes appearances from Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kanye, John Legend, Chris Brown, and more.
Did the critics give 2 Chainz two thumbs up? Find out below.
Rolling Stone: His commercial solo debut is packed with A-list cameos and producers, but 2 Chainz commands the spotlight—rapping about success and sex with the irrepressible enthusiasm of the upstart he isn’t. 3.5/5
Los Angeles Times: Even guest appearances by Kanye West and Nicki Minaj don’t provide much boost. Other cameos include Drake, The-Dream, and John Legend, and they’re all so much better at their art that rather than their host stepping up to their level, 2 Chainz drags them down. 1/4
USA Today: His major label solo debut offers little more than the typical club anthems and swaggering boasts. Guests provide the best moments. “No Lie” with Drake and “Birthday Song” with Kanye West are as good as it gets. 2/4
The Boston Globe: A highly buzzed about hip-hop artist should make a debut that moves the genre’s dial ahead a notch. Unfortunately, this long-awaited CD from the Georgia MC relies on too many cliches to be a revelation.
The Washington Post: It’s hard to resist repetitive hooks that aren’t exactly catchy or well-constructed but still get stuck in one’s head even after a single listen. … There are laughably simple declarations (“She got a big booty / So I call her Big Booty,” from “Birthday”), but also clever punch lines.
Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “No Lie,” “Birthday Song,” “Extremely Blessed,” “I Luv Dem Strippers”