By AARON HOLMES – Variety Writer
Released on Aug. 14, 2 Chainz’s debut album Based On a T.R.U. Story is the latest hip hop craze to sweep the nation.
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As most hip hop albums go, Story is nothing out of the ordinary; 2 Chainz utilizes the Atlanta-style beat made famous by southern rappers, such as T.I. and Ludacris in 2007. While many A-List rappers are featured (Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne), no hook or chorus stands out as remarkable.
If the album’s beat is average, the rapping itself can be described as nothing better than sub-par. After a few minutes, 2 Chainz’s hoarse shouting becomes more irritating than zestful and his lyrics lack foundation to back it up — the listener is made aware 24 times in one song that 2 Chainz “Luvs Dem Strippers.”
What the album does possess, however, is energy. Though 35 years old, 2 Chainz brings a youthful energy to the table that many mass-produced rappers today cannot. This energy, expressed in the glamour of track production and frivolity of verse is, perhaps, the single thing that makes the album worth anyone’s time.
But that does not mean the album will not be worth Def Jam’s effort. Within the first week, Story peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 list. By the end of August, 195,000 album copies were sold in the U.S., and profits are expected to rise.
It is also certain that Story will be immensely popular in weeks to come. Singles such as “Birthday Song” ft. Kanye West and “No Lie” ft. Drake have already placed on Billboard Top 40 lists, and R&B-centered tracks, such as “Extremely Blessed” and “Ghetto Dreams” seem sure to follow.
Based on a T.R.U. Story goes down like a diet soda. It has a tempting aura and causes reactions ranging from mild bemusement to barely pleasant, but in the end lacks substance, leaving only an unsatisfactory feeling and a rancid aftertaste.
