2 Chainz

Why do you call yourself 2Chainz? What’s the story in your name?
There’s a dual meaning to it. One is second opportunity. I’m just about second opportunities in life and me as 2 Chainz is my second chance. Then the second is because had always been into jewelry and in my 8th grade yearbook picture I had on two chains so 2 Chainz it was.
If you have to make a choice between over-humbleness and over-confident, which one do you prefer? 
I prefer over-humbleness because you gotta be confident to succeed. It’s all about finding the inner boss in you and looking to take steps forward.
We all know that if there is a mainstream voice, and there must be an opposite voice, Trap is now popular all over the world, what do you think about this trend?
I just perceive it as an uncontrollable thing, which is the way music goes. I just feel like more people have their ears open and eyes open for what Atlanta is known for, which was the trajectory that we predicted years ago. People can relate to our stories. They are not just songs, they are real life.
Rappers love luxury brands, in your opinion, what’s behind this phenomenon?
In Atlanta we have that street element but at the same time, it has that flamboyant side. I just like looking nice. I think of it as motivation for whoever is watching – like one day, I can achieve that.
Let’s talk about your new collaboration with Versace. The design inspiration of outsole came from the cover of B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time,  was that your idea?
My man Salehe Bembury is head of sneaker design at Versace. He came up with the design, but of course knew it was only right to give me a shout to give input on the show and help share it with the world. It’s really dope that got inspiration from me since Versace is such an iconic brand.

What does Kanye mean to you?
We’re friends. Our families hang out. He is a very talented guy. He inspires me to always push the boundaries.
It seems that most of the members who had a relationship with DONDA, now have their own brands, Off-White, FEAR OF GOD, A-COLD-WALL*, ALYX, Heron Preston. It’s hard to say that their instant hits and their success have nothing to do with the tag “Ex-Kanye Crew members”, what do you think of that?
These guys were all creative geniuses before Kanye and they continue to be after Kanye… I think Kanye just recognized what they had early and gave them a platform to create. Love to all the DONDA family.
Kanye is a brilliant producer, do you think his artistic achievements are as good as his musical achievements?
Yes. Everything he does he kills it.
We know that you are good at playing basketball, which basketball player do you think is the best?
Everybody knows I’m a Kobe fanatic but in today’s league, it’s gotta be Lebron James.
One last question, you are 40 now and what’s next? Do you want to live a carefree life? or you want to move up in the world?
I’m all about moving up in the world. Always progressing but also enjoying life.