2 Chainz Opens Up About Being Named 'Tity Boi,' T.R.U. Realigon Mixtape, and Why He Uses Codeine Syrup

Once a part of Ludacris’ DTP rap crew, 2 Chainz (aka Tity Boi) has grown into one of the hottest names from the South

as a solo artist. His string of mixtapes, including his Tupac influenced Me Against The World, All Ice On Me and Trap-A-Velli have kept 2 Chainz on a relentless tour schedule.The rapper tells VIBE he’s already performed over 120 shows this year.

Though, he remains in close contact with Luda, the ATL native is focused on pushing forward on his own two feet. Chainz last scored big in 2007 with “Duffle Bag Boyz” as part of the rap duo Playaz Circle, with partner Dolla Boy. More than 4 years later, 2 Chainz has caught national attention again with his mixtape hit "Spend It."

Currently, Chainz is working on a new street album, titled T.R.U. Realigon. VIBE sat down with the rapper to discuss his upcoming project, name change, working with Ludacris, his penchant for "syrup" and more.

VIBE: So I know you’ve been asked this before but can you explain it for all the VIBE readers, how did you get the name Tity Boi?

2 Chainz: I want to explain this—I wish I could put this on a billboard. Tity Boi is not derogatory towards women, I didn’t make it up, I didn’t get it from a titty-sucking contest or anything like that. The name Tity Boi actually came from my big mama, from me being spoiled and an only child—breastfed. My mama called me Tity Boi, my dad called me Tity Man, my hood called me Tit so when we was trying to rap I had been going by Tit my whole life, Tit, Tity, Tity Man —it’s just like a country nickname —term for being an only child.

So you had no choice?

Yea, like my family calls me that, my dad calls me Tity Man every morning. He wakes me up like ‘Tity Man, the phone ringing’ like and that’s it. A lot of people were close- minded to the fact and not really willing to hear what I had to offer to the game but I mean that’s their loss. I’m still here and I’m going to continue working hard. Whether its Tity Boi or 2 Chainz or whatever the name is my work will speak for itself.

When did it click in your mind to change your my rap name?

No, see I never changed my name this is what happened I did Supply and Demand, 12 Circle with DTP and Def Jam. I did a song called “Dear Mr. LA Reid” and someone else said Tity/2 Chainz and I had been saying it all the time but I guess the stars lined up and then definitely the way I said, the delivery, 2 Chainz made it lady and kid friendly. In my 8^th grade yearbook picture I had on 2 chains. I had always been into like jewelry so 2 Chainz just stuck

Early on, when you were rolling with Ludacris, did you kind of feel like you had to play a back position and couldn’t really step out into the forefront?

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