2 Chainz (Tauheed Epps)

About the Artist

Who Is 2 Chainz?

Few artists have successfully reinvented themselves quite like 2 Chainz. Born Tauheed Epps on September 12, 1977, in College Park, Georgia, the Grammy Award-winning rapper transformed what many considered a stalled career into one of hip-hop’s most remarkable second acts. After gaining early recognition as one-half of Playaz Circle under the name Tity Boi, he reintroduced himself to the world as 2 Chainz in 2011, a move that would redefine his legacy.

Known for his larger than life personality, clever punchlines, unmistakable Southern delivery, and consistent hitmaking, 2 Chainz has become one of Atlanta’s most recognizable voices while helping shape the modern era of trap music.

Whether releasing solo projects, collaborating with longtime friend Lil Wayne, or expanding into film, business, and publishing, 2 Chainz continues to evolve while remaining one of Atlanta’s most recognizable ambassadors in hip-hop.

Early Life

Raised in College Park, Georgia, 2 Chainz balanced athletics and academics before music became his full-time focus. He attended high school as an honor student and standout basketball player before attending Alabama State University on a basketball scholarship. He later continued his education at Virginia State University.

His experiences growing up in Atlanta would later become central themes throughout his music, blending street realities with humor, ambition, and entrepreneurship.

From Playaz Circle to 2 Chainz

Before becoming a solo superstar, Tauheed Epps formed the rap duo Playaz Circle in 1997 alongside high school friend Earl “Dolla Boy” Conyers. The group’s name was a bacronym for Preparing Legal Assets for Years from A to Z. The two caught the attention of Ludacris, who was still early in his own career when he moved into their College Park housing complex and took an interest in their music.

Their momentum stalled almost immediately. Dolla Boy was incarcerated and Epps was shot, delaying what initially appeared to be a promising career. Nearly a decade later, Playaz Circle released its major-label debut through Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace imprint. The duo broke into the mainstream in 2007 with “Duffle Bag Boy,” featuring Lil Wayne, a record that became one of the defining Southern hip-hop songs of the era and introduced audiences nationwide to Epps’ charismatic delivery.

Rather than fading after the group’s momentum slowed, he chose reinvention.

In 2011, he officially adopted the name 2 Chainz, releasing the critically acclaimed mixtape T.R.U. REALigion, which reignited interest in his career and led to a new recording contract.

Solo Breakthrough

2 Chainz’s debut solo album, Based on a T.R.U. Story (2012), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced several of the biggest rap records of the decade, including:

• “No Lie” featuring Drake
• “Birthday Song” featuring Kanye West
• “I’m Different”

The album established him as one of hip-hop’s premier hitmakers while earning a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards.

He followed with a string of successful releases, including:

• B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time (2013)
• ColleGrove (with Lil Wayne, 2016)
• Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (2017)
• Rap or Go to the League (2019)
• So Help Me God! (2020)
• Dope Don’t Sell Itself (2022)
• Welcome 2 Collegrove (with Lil Wayne, 2023)
• Red Clay (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2025)
• Life Is Beautiful (with Larry June and The Alchemist, 2025)

Grammy Recognition

Throughout his career, 2 Chainz has earned multiple Grammy nominations while becoming one of hip-hop’s most respected collaborators. He earned his first Grammy Award at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap Performance as a featured artist on Chance the Rapper’s “No Problem,” alongside Lil Wayne.

His Grammy recognition reflects not only his solo success but also his ability to elevate collaborations across generations of hip-hop, working alongside both longtime peers and emerging artists.

Signature Style

2 Chainz has built a reputation as one of rap’s most entertaining lyricists.

His music blends:

• Southern trap production
• Sharp punchlines
• Clever wordplay
• Luxury lifestyle storytelling
• Humor
• Atlanta street culture

Equally respected as both a solo artist and featured collaborator, he has appeared alongside artists including Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky, Juicy J, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne. That collaborative instinct also runs through his own catalog, from the charting single “It’s A Vibe” off Pretty Girls Like Trap Music to full-length collaborative projects with Lil Wayne, Larry June, and The Alchemist.

Beyond Music

Outside of recording, 2 Chainz has expanded into business, television, film, and philanthropy.

Through his T.R.U. (The Real University) brand, he has supported emerging artists while investing in ventures across food, cannabis, real estate, and entertainment. In 2012, he also helped launch the TRU Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting balanced, respectful, and enriched relationships while creating life-changing opportunities for younger generations.

His move into film came full circle in 2025 with Red Clay, a short film created alongside actor Omar Epps. 2 Chainz released the accompanying soundtrack later that year, marking one of the first major projects of his independent era.

In 2026, he released his memoir, The Voice in My Head Is God, a candid reflection on faith, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned throughout his journey from College Park to becoming one of hip-hop’s most recognizable voices.

Legacy

Few artists have experienced a career resurgence comparable to 2 Chainz.

By successfully transitioning from Playaz Circle to becoming one of hip-hop’s most sought-after solo artists and collaborators, he proved that reinvention can be just as powerful as an early breakthrough.

More than a decade after relaunching his career, 2 Chainz remains one of hip-hop’s enduring success stories. His influence extends beyond chart success, helping define Atlanta’s role in modern hip-hop while demonstrating that longevity comes from evolution. Through hit records, entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropy, and collaborations spanning generations, he has built a legacy that reaches far beyond music alone.

Quick Facts

Full Name: Tauheed Epps

Stage Name: 2 Chainz

Born: September 12, 1977

Hometown: College Park, Georgia

Genres: Hip-Hop, Southern Hip-Hop, Trap

Former Group: Playaz Circle (formed 1997)

Years Active: 1997–Present

Grammy Awards: Grammy Award winner

Notable Albums

• Based on a T.R.U. Story
• B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time
• ColleGrove
• Pretty Girls Like Trap Music
• Rap or Go to the League
• So Help Me God!
• Dope Don’t Sell Itself
• Welcome 2 Collegrove
• Red Clay (Official Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• Life Is Beautiful

Known For

• “No Lie”
• “Birthday Song”
• “I’m Different”
• “It’s A Vibe”
• “Duffle Bag Boy”
• “No Problem” (with Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne)

Quick Facts

Full Name

Tauheed Epps

Birthday

September 12, 1977 (Age 48)

Stage Name

2 Chainz

Genre

Hip-Hop, Southern Hip-Hop, Trap

Hometown / Origin

College Park, Georgia

Professional Team

Management

Tek Maguire & Allen Parks of Street Execs Management

Public Relations

Ernest Dukes of The Nottingham Group - Los Angeles

Booking Agency

Agents Kyle Carter & Joshua Rittenhouse of Independent Artist Group (IAG) - Los Angeles

Artist information current as of July 2026. Details are subject to change.