During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, 2 Chainz revealed how his interaction with Birdman went down.

“If anybody wanted Wayne, [Birdman] would be like, ‘I need 100 too,’ and people would obviously do it,” 2 Chainz said.

But 2 Chainz found a way around Birdman’s demands. He went on to tell Sharpe that her purchased Wayne a pair of red Gucci shoes because “he represents the red team.”

“I take them to him at the studio. He don’t know I’m about to take it to him, but I also got a beat CD,” he recalled. “And I’m not doing this for the other thing but I just take it to him and he like … ’Damn, these harder than a b*tch.’

Eventually, Wayne moved to Miami after Hurricane Katrina. He still had the beat CD, and he invited 2 Chainz down to Florida.

“We go from the airport to the mall because he is trying to I guess show his appreciation for me buying him shoes,” 2 Chainz said. “Then out of the blue, he says, ‘What you thought about the hook I did for you?’”

2 Chainz didn’t know that Wayne recorded the hook because it was sent to the wrong email. They went back to the studio, and Wayne let him hear the song

“I remember at that particular time knowing what a hit sounded like,” 2 Chainz said. “I said, ‘Man, you did that for me?’ He like, ‘Yeah boy.’”

Although Wayne didn’t charge him, when Birdman found out, he still wanted his finder’s fee.

“When Wayne did that, he didn’t charge me … so it’s only going to be just 100, not 200. Baby still wanted his 100,” 2 Chainz said.

Addressing the lyric for the first time on Tuesday, the Atlanta rapper dismissed it as playful wordplay, refusing to take offense. Lamar performed the hit song during his record-breaking Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show performance.

Kendrick referenced 2 Chainz while accusing Drake of cultural appropriation in the South, rapping, “2 Chainz say you good, but he lied.” The line nods to “No Lie,” 2 Chainz and Drake’s 2012 hit, which went triple platinum.

Despite the mention, 2 Chainz remains neutral, maintaining his respect for both artists. His history with them runs deep—he collaborated with Drake and Kendrick on A$AP Rocky’s F**in’ Problems*, a track that’s close to Diamond certification.

Meanwhile, Larry June, who appears on 2 Chainz’s Life Is Beautiful album, claimed he never finished listening to “Not Like Us“ and missed the name-drop entirely. For clarification, 2 Chainz backed him up, comparing him to Lil Wayne—an artist known for staying in his own musical lane.

Still, skipping “Not Like Us” is a bold claim. The track dominated the Super Bowl halftime show and is now the most-awarded song in Grammy history. Whether or not 2 Chainz cares, Kendrick’s impact is undeniable.

Along with the Grammys and Super Bowl, Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to elevate. A new Kendrick Lamar track will be the title song for the upcoming Captain America: Brave New World. The new film will be released worldwide on Friday, Feb. 14. Captain America actor Anthony Mackie revealed the news ahead of the rapper’s Super Bowl performance.

The new Lamar song is presumably titled “Brave New World.” The film promoted Lamar’s music during the trailer with “N95.” “N95” was a hit song from Lamar’s popular album, Mr. Moral & The Big Steppers. Lamar is set to hit the road in April on the Grand National Tour with SZA.

Talking to Instagram, the Atlanta native shared how grateful he was for all the success he’s enjoyed throughout the year.

“Yo, yo, yo, you know what I’m saying, quick little 2024 recap,” 2 Chainz explained. “Very thankful for the year. Business is definitely booming.”

2 Chainz then went on to spotlight some of his business holdings that are thriving in his expansive portfolio. He mentioned Candyland, his popular hotspot in Atlanta.

“Hands down, the best vibe in the city [Candyland],” 2 Chainz said.

He then gave a shout-out to the Atlanta Hawks G-League team the College Park Skyhawks which he has an ownership stake in and his Smoothie King franchise.

”Can’t forget about the College Park Sky Hawks,” he said. “We won that game yesterday. Can’t forget about the Smoothie King. Anytime you in State Farm Arena, you at a concert, you at a game, you at an event, that Smoothie King, that’s Toni’s.”

2 Chainz then spoke about his vegan pizza brand Pizza Fedora, which he described as “the best vegan pizza in America.” He shared insights into his vision for Zesto’s locations in Atlanta.

“So business really booming,” he said.

When it comes to his music, 2 Chainz is looking forward to dropping some heat in 2025.

“Now it’s 2025, I’m about to put the music with the madness, you feel me?” he said.

“We’re going to just ball the humble stuff up for a minute and throw it out the window. Because some of you negroes done bumped your f*cking head thinking you can fc*k with this campaign.”

“3 new projects in 2025. 2 of which are 90% done,” he wrote in the caption.

The forthcoming project will be his first solo album since releasing Dope Don’t Sell Itself in 2022.

In 2023, he dropped Welcome 2 Collegrove, a collaborative album with Lil Wayne.

Back in October, 2 Chainz said he was “the biggest free agent in the game” after deciding not to resign with Def Jam.

“I got the W rizz, I got the dub rizz,” said Halo to his father. He revealed that he was able to snag, the Sugar Honey Iced Tea rapper’s number. (Something that could be a sort of commodity). 2 Chainz appeared amused and proud of his son. Halo even offered to show his father his skills, saying “Daddy, let me give the rizz power to you.”

2 Chainz’s Court Battle Over 1.5M Cannibus scam

2 Chainz is taking legal action after being allegedly scammed out of $1.5 million by a Los Angeles-based cannabis company. The rapper, who is 46 years old, has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing them of failing to return his investment. The suit, uncovered by Law 360, was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. According to the lawsuit, 2 Chainz invested $1.5 million in the business back in 2021. The deal, arranged through Snoop Dogg’s tour manager, included a clause that would allow him to get his money back with 30 days’ notice.

When the cannabis company repeatedly delayed its launch, 2 Chainz requested a refund in May 2022. However, the company did not honor his request. In late 2022, he sent a text message to the co-founder, continuing his efforts to retrieve the funds. While he received a response, he was informed that the original agreement was no longer valid.

“When I did work with Eminem, I couldn’t smoke in there. It was kinda funny,” Chainz said. “It was his people, not Eminem. Eminem was somewhere writing but his people are just so concerned with him, they put the speakers outside so I could listen to the beat.”

The rapper described the scene in Malibu. He was enjoying the weather and smoking before heading back into the booth to record. “I come back in to do my verse and the door’s closed and I’m in the booth smoking and I see Em out there and I’m like ‘he in there while I’m recording, that’s hard’,” he recalled. “He’s about to come in and say something but his people are like ‘no, don’t go in there, he’s smoking’. Em looks like ‘sit the fuck down, what do you think I’m about to do?’ I remember them tripping on him and he was not tripping at all.”

The two artists most recently worked together on the track “Kyrie & Luka,” produced by DJ Premier. The song is named after NBA players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. It features a beat that samples Eric B. & Rakim’s classic “Move the Crowd.” Staying true to the basketball theme, 2 Chainz dropped lines like “Things are going left like Julius Randle.” He closed with, “Just like Kyrie, I got this shit handled.”

In addition to that collaboration, 2 Chainz released Life is Beautiful with Larry June and The Alchemist. He also announced plans to drop a joint album with Statik Selektah later this year.

In the clip, Big Tony says, “It’s your hostess with the mostest, right now. Big Tony, 2 Chainz, . We are in Abu Dubai right now, picking up a back end. Want to make a huge announcement. Starting … last week. I am now an independent artist. That’s right, I am not resigning with Def Jam.”

He describes transitioning to an NBA superstar and becoming a” free agent.” He continued: 

“Think of it like K.D. … or LeBron. The biggest free agent in the game. Better come one with it. These folks talking about oil money down here. You better come with your bag, Jack.”

2 Chainz signed with Def Jam in 2012 and released his platinum-selling debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story (B.O.A.T.S.), that August featuring Lil Wayne, Ye, Nicki Minaj, Drake, John Legend, and Scarface. The album sold 147,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number one on Billboard.

With Def Jam, 2 Chainz released seven albums, including two collaborations with Lil Wayne. He released the sequel to his debut album, B.O.A.T.S. 2, in 2013. The album includes hit singles “Feds Watching” and “Used 2.” 

In November 2023, he released his last album with Def Jam, the second ColleGrove album, Welcome 2 ColleGrove. The sequel would be narrated by 50 Cent. Outside of music, 2 Chainz has been thriving as an entrepreneur, television host, and owner of brands such as Smoothie King and Krystals.

On Def Jam, 2 Chainz won a Grammy in 2017 for Best Rap Performance on the Chance The Rapper hit song “No Problems” featuring himself and Lil Wayne.

In 2021, 2 Chainz, real name Tauheed K. Epps, invested in Antimatter Holdings, an investment LLC. He subsequently decided to invest in the Pineapple Express dispensary in Hollywood. The dispensary, operated by Pineapple Ventures, Inc. and PNPLXPRESS, INC., promised to open by April 2021, but a series of delays pushed the opening back nearly a year, with the store finally launching in March 2022.

In addition to a monthly dividend, 2 Chainz ad the option to withdraw 110% of his money with 30 days’ notice. The lawsuit alleges that Antimatter Holdings failed to comply with Antimatter Holdings’ request for a return of its investment in May 2022. 

In December 2022, 2 Chainz personally contacted Vincent Zadeh, the dispensary’s cofounder, to learn that the company would no longer honor the agreement. Since then, the dispensary has closed.

It’s not the first lawsuit against Zadeh. Investors and business partners have also taken legal action, including one case in which the company allegedly failed to file income taxes, resulting in nearly $1.69 million in back taxes.

Matthew Feinstein, a co-founder of Pineapple Express, told the SFGATE that the lawsuit contains false claims, including the assertion that 2 Chainz is owed money. According to Feinstein, the matter would be arbitrated.

More as this story develops.

When the cannabis company repeatedly delayed its launch, 2 Chainz requested a refund in May 2022. However, the company did not honor his request. In late 2022, he sent a text message to the co-founder, continuing his efforts to retrieve the funds. While he received a response, he was informed that the original agreement was no longer valid.

Despite the legal battle over his cannabis investment, 2 Chainz has continued to excel in his business ventures. Recently, he teamed up with Smoothie King to bring their products to State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. “I visit Smoothie King at least twice a week, so this partnership has been a long time coming,” 2 Chainz shared. “Opening a Smoothie King in State Farm Arena felt like the right move for me. Throughout my health journey, I’ve been mindful of my choices, and when I go to games and events it’s no different – I’m always looking for nutritious options and Smoothie King is in a class of its own when it comes to delicious smoothies with no added sugar. I’m proud to join the brand.”

On the music side, 2 Chainz brought back the nostalgia last year with the release of Welcome 2 Collegrove. This was a collaborative album with Lil Wayne. Dropped in November 2023, the project featured big names like Usher, 21 Savage, Rick Ross, Fabolous, and Benny The Butcher.

The worker allegedly stole multiple high-value items, including televisions and furniture. Despite the theft, the rapper and entrepreneur made it clear he would not be pressing charges. His decision, while unexpected, speaks to his personal philosophy and approach to conflict resolution.

This incident comes as a surprise, given 2 Chainz’s reputation for business acumen and strategic investments. Beyond music, he has built an empire that includes luxury product lines and a minority stake in the College Park Skyhawks, an NBA G League team. Yet, rather than seek legal action, he has chosen to handle the matter with restraint.

Details of the theft remain vague, but 2 Chainz’s refusal to involve law enforcement suggests a deliberate choice rather than indifference. His approach may stem from several factors.

First, he has long shown an inclination for handling matters with empathy. His charitable efforts and commitment to community upliftment reflect a belief in second chances. Escalating the situation through the legal system may not align with his values.

Second, while the stolen items hold financial value, they likely represent a small fraction of his overall business portfolio. The time and energy required for legal action may outweigh the benefit of recovering lost assets. For a mogul of his stature, resolving the situation quietly might seem the more pragmatic choice.

Trust also plays a role. As a businessman, 2 Chainz understands the delicate balance of professional relationships. Opting for discretion may preserve the possibility of reconciliation, signaling a preference for resolution over retribution.

Another consideration is public scrutiny. High-profile lawsuits attract media attention, often becoming more trouble than they are worth. A legal battle could create unnecessary distractions, shifting focus away from his career and ventures. By keeping the matter out of the courtroom, he maintains control of the narrative.

Despite the gravity of the theft, his measured response has earned respect from fans and observers. Rather than making a spectacle of the situation, he has demonstrated maturity, restraint, and a clear-eyed approach to business. In an era where public figures frequently resort to litigation, his decision to take the high road reinforces his reputation as a leader with integrity.

This incident highlights a broader truth: success does not exempt anyone from betrayal. However, the way one chooses to respond defines character. 2 Chainz’s reaction reflects a mindset rooted in resilience, wisdom, and a commitment to principles over impulse.

Kelce told Billboard that he’s a huge fan of Wayne and particularly, “Duffle Bag Boy.” He says the track is a part of his game-day playlist. “I’m a huge mixtape era guy,” Kelce says. “Wayne has been one of my favorites since high school, since the early 2000s. Since 2 Chainz is here, ‘Duffle Bag Boy’ is one of my favorite songs of all-time. I have it on my game day playlist and everything.”

2 Chainz recently hopped on Instagram to share some moments from the electric performance. “Last nite was epic to say the least ! shout out @killatrav for the invite @kelcejam Me and @liltunechi really have some of the best stage chemisty on the planet [emoji] [emoji] we rocked out [emoji] [emoji] @keepitexclusive,” he wrote.

This isn’t the first time Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz have teamed up. Their first big collaboration goes back to 2007’s “Duffle Bag Boy” when 2 Chainz was still part of hip hop duo, Playaz Circle with Dolla Boy. The project was featured on the duo’s debut album, Supply & Demand under Ludacris’ Disturbing The Peace record label.

Last November, the pair came together for their Welcome 2 Collegrove studio album. The project is the follow-up to 2 Chainz’s 2016 album, ColleGrove, which features artists such as 21 Savage, Usher, Fabolous, and Benny the Butcher. The two recently snagged a nomination for Best Group for the upcoming 2024 BET Awards in June.