2 Chainz (Tity Boi or Teta Chico) has been on a tear as of late. For anyone that has been paying attention, he has been garnering a lot of attention. Being such a polarizing figure, many celebrated while others sighed and grunted in disgust. Plenty of people send him praise for his tangible lyrics and accessible style. Others, however, think of him to be a 3rd tier rhymer that has over-extended his stay in the game. Regardless of how anyone feels, T.R.U. Realigion is out for mass consumption.

     To be frank about 2 Chainz, he isn’t going to win many hip hop enthusiasts/purists over. He isn’t going to be using a bunch of flows and cadences no one cares about. Nor is he going to try and construct choruses aligned with poet laureates. Hip hop quotables isn’t even on 2 Chainz’s mind. In the end, the man has little care for being looked at as a “savior of hip hop”.

     2 Chainz is here to make typical street music in a grand and notable fashion. If that is his goal, he is effective to say the least; hilariously remarkable to say the most.

     Throughout the mixtape, Teta Chico gives you nothing short of relished street lore. ”Addicted To Rubberbands” rides thumping bass, synths and piano keys that allows Chainz to spit his version of comeuppance/luxury rap. “Stunt” catches Chainz, with Meek Mill in tow, going in about showing off what they got. Hysterically, on “Viagra” Chainz keeps it moving with references to his Polo addiction, Jodeci and Floetry. Even if street music isn’t the choice of champions, 2 Chainz still entertains.

     Do not be fooled, though; 2 Chainz does take the time to get introspective and/or tell a story. “Letter to the Rap Game” uses a M-16 produced sample molester to give hip hop an open view of his approach and mentality. It does help that he is assisted by Dolla Boy and Raekwon to round out this song. “Kesha” is the common hood love song done the 2Chainz way: big song, big sample, simple and catchy lyrics. Even through the grimey hood songs come certain aspects that allow people to see some sort of “vulnerability”.

     2 Chainz feels he went from “the hottest artist in the streets without a Gangsta Grillz” to “the hottest artist in the streets”. With this mixtape, he gets to flex his muscle. For the most part, it stays consistent and entertaining. This won’t be world changing material. However, if you are looking for some street music to nourish your faith in the conviction of the streets, then this is the mixtape for you. Conclusively, keeping it real for the hood is the T.R.U. Realigion for 2 Chainz.

 

Article written by Mark A. Harris, contributing writer for STACKS Magazine