The ever popular and entertaining Def Jam Recordings’ artist Tauheed Epps, known as 2 Chainz, released his second solo album Tuesday. The rapper decided to follow up his first album, “Based on a T.R.U. Story,” with a sequel entitled “B.O.A.T.S. II #MeTime.”
I vividly remember trying to listen to 2 Chainz’s first album in preparation for his performance at Ohio State’s 2012 Welcome Week Concert. It was definitely an ordeal trying to get through all of the swag rapping and lack of lyrical prowess. However, there were at least enough bangers on 2 Chainz’s last album to get me through it.
I’m not sure this installment of the “B.O.A.T.S.” series brings that same element to the table. The hit single “Feds Watching” may be the only track on the first half of the album that will keep you interested. No one ever said 2 Chainz couldn’t make a catchy hook, but on a full studio album, I liken him to a volume shooter in the game of basketball. He keeps shooting for hits track after track and may only succeed two or three times out of the 14 attempts.
One thing that is certain about 2 Chainz is that he knows exactly the type of beats that make him sound good. Some of my favorite tracks on this album are “Where U Been,” “I Do It” and “U Da Realest,” mostly because of the hard-hitting production on each track. “B.O.A.T.S. II” is an album you could play straight through at a club, and I’m quite sure no one would complain.
The heavy bass and sexual innuendos on each track make for great party music, but this cannot excuse the almost awful display of rapping throughout the project. I’m not sure if 2 Chainz doesn’t know how ignorant he sounds or if he just wants to portray this “ratchet” persona. In the song “Black Unicorn,” he states, “Lyrically I could be Talib Kweli,” but I’m not so sure he’s capable of even coming close to the level of the rap legend.
At the end of the day, I’m sure you could probably find some enjoyment in this album. 2 Chainz is the master of creative hooks and punch lines. Features from modern pop stars Fergie, Lil Wayne and Drake along with vocals from Chrisette Michele also bolster this project and give it some flavor.
However, 2 Chainz does not give as much lyrical stimulation as Lil Wayne in his prime once did to get past all the ignorance and outright stupidity. 2 Chainz forever will be remembered for his classic club bangers, but not for his albums, and especially not for “B.O.A.T.S II #MeTime.”
Grade: D+
