Did you know that 2 Chainz used to call himself “Tity boi”? We’re not sure if that’s pronounced tie-tee or tit-ee, but we’re sure glad he changed it. Not only is 2 Chainz easier to pronounce and sounds less like a female body part, but it’s also a great branding decision – as the rapper wears two chains (traditionally), even though he throws on an extra here and there.

The artist, who grew up in Georgia, has had endorsements (and features) by everyone from Nicki Minaj, to Kanye West, to Drake. His career started in 2007 but didn’t hit the major leagues until 2012. Learn more about the rapper below.

Early Life

Remember the 2005 hit “Miss New Booty”? On it, Bubba Sparxx’s name drops 2 Chainz’ hometown, College Park Georgia. 2 Chainz, who was born Tauheed Epps, spent the majority of his young life in “Collipark,” before moving to Atlanta in his late teens.

It was in Atlanta, where he performed as “Tity Boi” as part of the group Playaz Circle. That group was “discovered” by Ludacris and included Tity Boi and Dolla Boy back in the early 2000s. That group put out some mixtapes, but really did local Atlanta performances and is where 2 Chainz got the practice he needed to go big, later.

2012: The Year of Chainz

While 2 Chainz had been creating music for years, 2012 was his breakthrough year. It was when Kanye West asked him to feature on the track “Mercy” (great song). Nicki Minaj had him on her track “Beez in the Trap” that year too.

Later that year, he released his first official album ‘Based on a T.R.U. story’ on Def Jam records. It hit number one on the album charts – and went platinum!

Since rappers like to show their success via their chains, it’s safe to say 2 Chainz’ neckwear gets heavier and more blinged-out every year.