History
2 Chainz: From Playaz Circle to Solo Stardom
Tauheed Epps, widely recognized by his stage name 2 Chainz, was born on September 12, 1976, in College Park, Georgia. Before achieving widespread solo success, he was known as Tity Boi and gained initial recognition as one half of the Southern hip hop duo Playaz Circle. The group was notably signed to Ludacris' record label, Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), and is remembered for their hit single "Duffle Bag Boy."
The Genesis of Playaz Circle
Alongside his longtime friend Dolla Boy, 2 Chainz formed Playaz Circle in the late 1990s. Epps, who also played basketball at Alabama State University, hailed from the Southside of Atlanta. The duo's early career faced significant setbacks. Shortly after releasing their debut album, 2 Chainz was shot, and Dolla Boy was incarcerated. Upon learning of these misfortunes, Ludacris, introduced to the group through a mutual friend, offered them a contract with his label, DTP. 2 Chainz officially joined the label upon Dolla Boy's release.
A Name Change and Solo Ascent
Throughout his career, Epps faced speculation that his former stage name, Tity Boi, carried derogatory connotations towards women. He consistently denied these accusations. In early 2011, he opted to change his stage name to 2 Chainz, believing it to be a more "family-friendly" alternative. This rebranding coincided with a significant rise in his solo career, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary hip hop.
