With the release of his new album “Pretty Girls Like Trap Music,” it was only appropriate that GENIUS brought in 2 Chainz to discuss hip-hop, lyrics and culture.
It was a conversation hosted by Rob Markman and an evening DJ’ed by DJ Meka. 2 Chainz being from Atlanta, which is where Trap music originated from, made this conversation of extra interest.
When Rob Markman was introducing 2 Chainz, he described him as a “supreme lyricist” and an “amazing writer”. With a captivating presence, 2 Chainz walked onto the stage and had the crowd applauding, cheering in both admiration and excitement. This is a man with an impressive and incredible catalogue in hip-hop.
Before starting the conversation, 2 Chainz was teasing the audience by laying down in his chair, putting his feet up. Showing a little of his humorous side; a side that the audience and fans don’t always get to see.
Even throughout the conversation, 2 Chainz continued to crack a joke every once in a while and kept the audience laughing and engaged.
When speaking to the meaning behind the name of the album. 2 Chainz recalled and talked about those girls that everyone knew in school who would never mess with the boys in school. They would date the older more “thug” and “bad” boy. It’s the notion of having a boy look at a girl and wonder “oh man she probably likes this type of music, when she actually likes the most ratchet music” – referencing to Trap.
“This is what drives the culture, this is the culture right now” said Rob Markman when talking about Trap music. However, he continued to say that he doesn’t believe that people understand the ‘origin’ of Trap per se and simply dance to it in the clubs. Trap is a real lifestyle. Therefore, bringing 2 Chainz, one of the originators, for this conversation, is of importance.
“Atlanta has been on top for 10-20 years” said 2 Chainz when it comes to Trap.
Rob Markman references the song “Rolls Royce B*tch” where 2 Chainz says: “Used to have a killer crossover. Now I think I done crossed over. White fans at my rap shows. So many chains on I give you the cold shoulder”.
Markman continues to tell 2 Chainz “you’re a pop-star right now” and in a sort of disbelief 2 Chainz says “that’s crazy.”
“It feels good to be put on a pedestal. You don’t know how many nights that I wasn’t successful. You don’t know how many nights that I wanted to be. It’s this contradiction when you don’t want to take pictures with fans or you don’t want to be bothered,” said 2 Chainz, and then continued to hilariously describe the different kinds of fans he’s approached with. He concluded his point by saying “we got the cool fans here” and appropriately, the audience cheered on.
The conversation ended with open questions from the audience.
2 Chainz wanted to hear from the fans as he wondered why they were even there to hear him speak.
Rob walked through the seats and passed the mics through the fans. Many fans recalled stories that they had with 2 Chainz. They would recall the first time they saw him and how much 2 Chainz meant to them. They would recall the moments in detail.
It was so great to hear the audience speak. It makes one realize that when it comes to artists and fans, this is a relationship. This is a journey. These were audience members and fans that have been there from the beginning. As 2 Chainz grew, they grew with him.
It was an hour full of good Trap Talk. To everyone who still questions whether Trap music has substance. Maybe start by listening to 2 Chainz on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, you might just change your mind.
