Another Notch on the Belt of an A-Town Legend

Recently, we’ve seen very differing paths in the second half of veteran artists’ careers. Some seem to have hit their golden era, while others seem “ready for pasture.” In the case of 2 Chainz, almost two decades have passed since his breakout hit. Despite label issues and a subsequent rebrand—things that would have derailed the careers of many artists—the artist formerly known as Tity Boi falls into the former category, with this current project adding to his unheralded yet spectacular run.

Much like other exclusive soundtrack projects, this album has a conceptual feel, with mellow and smooth beats that evoke a detectable 70s era vibe. While many projects can end up feeling stagnant or lacking differentiation between tracks, Chainz does an excellent job of making each song feel unique while still staying true to the overall theme. While I do not mean to compare the soundtracks directly, there is a bit of an American Gangster vibe, with 2 Chainz flowing seamlessly across each beat.

At this point in his career, there should be no surprises in what you’ll get regarding lyrics. 2 Chainz is one of the few artists who can offer introspection, gangsta/doughboy talk, or braggadocious bars, and this project showcases that versatility. Additionally, all the featured artists held their own and contributed significantly, culminating in a surprising and awe-inspiring collaboration with Ronald and The Isley Brothers on the final track, “The ATL Experience.”

My one gripe might be the Yachty-assisted track “Sista Wives,” as the collaboration felt a bit out of place. However, overall, it did not detract from the enjoyment of the listening experience. At only nine tracks, the project does seem a bit short; however, given its nature as more of a conceptual project—and the absence of those two-minute drill tracks that are popular these days—it’s a forgivable slight.

Ironically, while crafting this review, I came across a social media post posing a question that I will paraphrase: Why doesn’t 2 Chainz get mentioned alongside other ATL legends? Upon further reflection, it could be the lack of controversies in this social media-dominated era or possibly the absence of radio-friendly hits. However, at this point, The Playaz Circle honcho deserves his flowers. While this most recent project may fall short of the designation of a “classic,” it serves as another solid entry in his storied career.

Favorite Tracks: Mutual Bonds, Free, Dead Beat Moms, The ATL Experience

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (9/10)