2 Chainz Says Being Around Lil Wayne Shaped Him As An Artist

Few partnerships in hip-hop feel as genuine and lasting as the bond between 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne. Over the years, the two have collaborated on chart-topping hits, shared stages worldwide, and even released joint albums. But beyond the music, 2 Chainz openly credits Lil Wayne with shaping him as the artist he is today.

During an in-depth Club Shay Shay interview with Shannon Sharpe, the rapper from College Park, Georgia, gave fans a closer look at his life and career. From gym sessions to his restaurants and luxury car garage, viewers saw the daily routine of the man once known as Tity Boi. Most importantly, the conversation revealed stories about his long-standing friendship with Weezy F. Baby, proving just how impactful Wayne’s presence has been on his journey.

How 2 Chainz Met Lil Wayne

Every great story has a starting point, and for 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, it began in an unusual way. The rapper recalled first meeting Wayne through Birdman, a central figure in Cash Money Records. At that time, Birdman had a reputation for charging hefty amounts for features.

According to 2 Chainz, “Baby was charging $100,000 if anybody wanted Wayne, and then Tunechi had his own fee on top of that.” For many aspiring artists, this price tag would have been impossible to afford. But Chainz didn’t follow the traditional route. Instead, he built a connection in his own way—through authenticity and generosity.

He revealed that he gave Wayne a beat CD and even bought him a pair of red Supras, a gesture that stood out. That simple act eventually paved the way for Wayne to record one of his most iconic hooks, without Birdman’s fee.

The Birth of “Duffle Bag Boy”

When discussing the origins of Playaz Circle’s breakout hit “Duffle Bag Boy,” 2 Chainz shared fascinating details. The hook, performed by Lil Wayne, wasn’t planned as a major collaboration at first. Cortez Bryant, Wayne’s longtime manager, even accidentally sent the vocals to the wrong e-mail before it finally reached Chainz.

When he first heard Wayne’s contribution, 2 Chainz was stunned. The hook—“If I don’t do nothing, I’mma ball…”—instantly elevated the track from a regional hit to a timeless anthem. Looking back, Chainz recognizes this moment as a turning point in his career, one that solidified both his path as an artist and his friendship with Lil Wayne.

“Duffle Bag Boy” went on to define an era, and it proved that Chainz could stand out in the rap game while being supported by one of the most influential voices of the 2000s.

Lil Wayne’s Unique Approach to Music

One of the biggest takeaways from 2 Chainz’s Club Shay Shay interview was his admiration for Wayne’s creative process. He emphasized that Lil Wayne never writes his raps down, instead freestyling verses straight from his mind.

Being around Wayne during recording sessions taught Chainz about work ethic, spontaneity, and confidence in artistry. “Being around Wayne shaped me to be the artist I am now,” Chainz explained. This wasn’t just about adopting a style—it was about learning how to approach music as a craft, pushing boundaries, and trusting natural talent.

A Friendship Beyond Music

While collaborations like “ColleGrove” and their many joint singles highlight the musical chemistry between 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne, the two share a friendship that goes far beyond the studio. Chainz explained that their bond grew stronger through shared experiences, late-night conversations, and even through other connections, like Drake.

Interestingly, 2 Chainz credited Wayne with introducing him to Drake early in the Canadian rapper’s career. That introduction not only strengthened Chainz’s industry ties but also expanded his influence across different rap circles.

Navigating the Music Industry Together

For many artists, the music industry can feel like a maze of politics, contracts, and financial barriers. But 2 Chainz found that having Lil Wayne as a mentor helped him see things differently.

He recalled how Birdman’s business tactics—like charging artists for features—were common in the industry. Yet, Wayne’s willingness to collaborate outside of those rigid structures gave Chainz opportunities that may not have otherwise existed.

That dynamic also highlights an important part of Lil Wayne’s legacy: his ability to support other artists, sometimes against the norms of the industry. For 2 Chainz, this generosity was not only career-changing but life-changing.

From “Tity Boi” to 2 Chainz: Reinvention with Inspiration

Before rebranding himself as 2 Chainz, the rapper was known as Tity Boi from Playaz Circle. That transition wasn’t just about changing a name—it was about stepping into a new identity as a solo artist.

Throughout that reinvention, Lil Wayne remained a source of inspiration. Wayne’s boldness, his fearlessness in experimenting with sounds, and his larger-than-life persona gave 2 Chainz the confidence to reinvent himself.

The result? A career that spans platinum-selling albums, countless features, and recognition as one of the sharpest lyricists in hip-hop.

The Legacy of “ColleGrove”

In 2016, fans were treated to the joint project “ColleGrove,” a fusion of College Park (2 Chainz’s hometown) and Hollygrove (Lil Wayne’s neighborhood in New Orleans). The album wasn’t just a collection of songs—it was a celebration of their friendship and artistic synergy.

Tracks like “Bounce” and “Gotta Lotta” showcased how naturally their flows intertwined, proving that their partnership went beyond one or two hits. In many ways, “ColleGrove” symbolized the journey from their first meeting to becoming equals in hip-hop.

How Lil Wayne’s Influence Still Echoes Today

Even after decades in the music industry, 2 Chainz continues to acknowledge Lil Wayne’s role in shaping his path. From storytelling to stage presence, Wayne’s fingerprints can be found in the way Chainz approaches his craft.

But perhaps the most enduring lesson is authenticity. Chainz often highlights how Wayne stays true to himself, regardless of trends or industry pressures. That authenticity has inspired him to remain genuine in his own career, building a legacy that stands independently while honoring his influences.

Conclusion: The Power of Mentorship and Friendship in Hip-Hop

The story of 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne is more than a tale of two rappers—it’s proof of how mentorship, generosity, and friendship can change lives. From the early days of “Duffle Bag Boy” to collaborative albums and countless features, their bond has shaped modern hip-hop in unforgettable ways.

As 2 Chainz himself put it: “Being around Wayne shaped me to be the artist I am now.” That statement captures the heart of their journey. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the music we love are relationships that define careers, influence sounds, and inspire generations to come.