On Tuesday January 29th, Hennessy V.S hosted a private dinner for 2 Chainz at S Prime Steakhouse in Long Island City, NY. Def Jam President, Joie Manda and Senior Vice President, Sean "Pecas" Costner, were on hand to present 2 Chainz with Platinum and Gold plaque for his recently released album, 'Based On A T.R.U. Story'. The plaque were to celebrate his singles "Birthday Song" and "I'm Different" reaching gold status as well as his single "No Lie" featuring Drake reaching Platinum status.
To honor this feat, Hennessy V.S served a specialty cocktail named after 2 Chainz. The Hennessy V.S "T.R.U. PUNCH" was enjoyed by 2 Chainz' friends and family, as well as Def Jam staff and Hennessy V.S executives in attendance.
It was an intimate setting as 2 Chainz was with his crew enjoying Hennessey drinks and great food provided by S Prime Steakhouse. I ask 2 Chainz some questions about his career, his success and politics:
1. When did you decide that you needed to go a different direction and change your name? – Well. I never really changed my name. If you look back at some of my older Playaz Circle mixtape I would always call out 2 Chainz. So, that has always been a part of my persona. Deciding to go with 2 Chainz was an attempt at being a little more family friendly. My family still calls me Tity Boi. My momma calls me Ty.
2. When you started this journey did you ever see getting to this point? Gold albums and singles and endorsements? – Oh, definitely. I’ve always been a big believer in my brand. I believed in myself before anyone else did. So, I always saw this for myself. I try to explain to people that if you invest in your craft and take time to hone it, you’ll be successful. I am also a big believer in God and everything that has happen to me has been His blessing. It’s what I’ve prayed for.
3. How did you get hooked up with G.O.O.D Music? -Kanye was familiar with my music. He reached out and we connected on an artistic level first and foremost. He’s very creative and I appreciated his input. The music came after.
4. When you first hit the scene it seemed like you were on everyone's song, did you ever feel you would burn yourself out and the fans would get tired of hearing you? – Not at all. That was a part of my strategy. If you notice, an artist has a hot record, but unless they can follow that up with another hot record their buzz dies. My plan was to align myself with all the hottest artist, so when you googled them, you saw my name also. Or, if you heard them on the radio, I was there too. It held me over while I was developing my campaign. And it worked.
5. Out of all your collaborations, which one was your favorite to record? – That’s hard to say. I liked all the records I’m on. They all have different meanings. Or, mark different times in my life. Of course, I like “Mercy” because it was such a huge record. But, “Beez In The Trap” was dope. I mean, they were all dope.
6. How is it being in the studio with Kanye? – It’s definitely an experience. He’s so musical. He has a vision for every record. Watching him create is definitely an education. It helps you step your game up. I’ve always been a studio person. I spent a lot of time creating music, but he takes it to the next level. He’s a master at what he does
7. How do you see hip-hop as a whole as well as in Atlanta? – It’s definitely our time. For a while, the North had Hip Hop on lock. But with artists like Outkast, TI and Jeezy, they’ve helped pave the way for the south. We’ve had a couple different movements and it’s finally taking off.
8. You're one of the few rappers that’s willing to talk about politics, how important is politics to you? – Politics are definitely an important part of my campaign. Educating the community, making sure that every voice is represented is necessary and I use this 2 Chainz platform as a means to spread the message. My involvement with this past election was just the beginning. I intend to play a part and be a voice forever.
9. Any one you want to work with that you haven't yet? – I can’t think of anyone in particular. I’m just open to creating music with talented people. I’m not locked into a genre. If it makes sense and it feels natural to me, I’m down. Artists sometimes limit themselves. I’m open to being free musically.
I attempted to ask 2Chainz about his feelings on the G.O.O.D Music and Young Money issues but he decline to answer. The night was filled with laughs and good times. Def Jam President Joie had some great words to say to 2Chainz, commenting on his drive, dedication and persistence. He praised 2Chainz on his music as a body of work especially his top singles and Gold album.
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