The Evolution of 2 Chainz

A chart-topping LP is the latest leg of the MC's journey.

All Gold No Ice On - 2 Chainz received an astounding response when he came out for Nicki Minaj's show in LA in early August. Truuuuuu. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The Evolution of 2 Chainz - 2 Chainz was born Tauheed Epps on September 12, 1976, in College Park, Georgia.   (Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images)
The Evolution of 2 Chainz - 2 Chainz was introduced to the rap world as Tity Boy, one half of The Playaz Circle, along with his high school friend Dolla Boy. Five years after forming in 1997, the Atlanta-based duo independently released their debut LP, United We Stand, United We Fall.  (Photo: Courtesy of Playaz Circle/Myspace)The Evolution of 2 Chainz - Playaz Circle's career stalled after Chainz was shot and Dolla was incarcerated. But through a lucky coincidence — radio host and aspiring rapper Ludacris moving into their apartment complex — Playaz Circle later signed to Luda's Disturbing Tha Peace roster and began making a new level of noise.   (Photo: Courtesy of DTP Records)

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The Evolution of 2 Chainz - Last week, 2 Chainz at long last dropped his mega-hyped debut, Based on a T.R.U. Story. And today, it was announced that the album is going to top the Billboard album charts this week. It's the latest big win in the thirtysomething Atlanta rapper's long, unlikely journey, filled with major twists and roadblocks. In fact, looking back, it's almost a surprise it happened at all. Click on to take a look at the evolution of 2 Chainz. —Alex Gale  (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

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