Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz has already worked with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Kanye West. The roster is impressive considering his debut album Based On A T.R.U Story, which debuted at number one on Billboard 200, only came out this month. During a phone call with ANDPOP’s Azra Kassam, he chatted about the most important lesson he learned from the almighty Kanye West and his biggest accomplishment (it might surprise you).
Musically speaking, his first album hits close to home
2 Chainz said the release day for his album felt like the first day of school. “This is my first album. It took me my whole life to put it together,” he said. So it was only natural that he wanted to pay homage to his Atlanta hometown. “Over half the project is done by Atlanta producers so I still have that hometown feel,” he explained. “There are great influences on there, great features, great production… I think people will be able to relate to it in all areas.”
Kanye West taught him the importance of art and images
“The dude is very creative,” 2 Chainz said about fellow rapper Kanye West. The Watch the Throne rapper taught him how art can add another dimension to the hip hop genre. “Artistic expression…it’s another way to express yourself without talking,” he said. “That’s something Kanye brought to my attention…it’s all about images.” His description of working with West on the “Birthday Song” single? “It was a combination of an overload of confidence with a touch of cockiness!”
One of his biggest accomplishments so far is influencing others to vote Read more…
British singer Adele took the #1 spot next week on the Billboard 200 chart, reports MTV News.
The soul singer’s album 21 has sold over 352,000 copies in the first weeks, surpassing Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never – The Remixes, which dropped to #2 as sales trailed off to 102,000.
Adele’s 2008 debut 19 continues to march its way back up the charts as well, jumping 34 spots to #16 on sales of 18,000.
I’m glad an actually talented artist is dominating the charts for once, as opposed to the pop sensations that usually dominate the sales. I personally got the chance to see Adele on the Canada AM soundstage last week, and she was phenomenal. She has a presence, a style, and a voice that could blow off the roof of any building. And she’s only 22!
I think the success of Adele lies in her widespread appeal. Her music could appeal to a younger generation, with songs like Rolling In The Deep that have a current, modern feel, but her voice alone could appeal to an older audience, as they can find nostalgia and comfort in her old-timesy feel. I know my parents love her voice, and my friends love her album, so really, who can not like Adele?
But in all honesty, the reason I’m really happy over this news is that she bumped Justin Bieber from the top spot. I think it’s about time for him to give up the #1 spot, or even his career. Actually, Jbiebz, you can just stop making music now. I think we’ll all be fine with Adele taking your place. Am I right?
You may not have heard “The E.N.D.” of Black Eyed Peas just yet, but their latest album is expected to take the top spot next week on the “Billboard 200” chart with first week sales of over 304,000, as per Nielson SoundScan figures.
That’s more than enough to take “Big Whiskey & the Groogrux King” (from Dave Matthews Band) off the top spot. Meanwhile, Eminem’s “Relapse” continues to do well, earning the rapper the third spot with the CD selling 87,000 units.
The all-star debut album from Chickenfoot, (featuring ex-Van Halen members Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani and Chad Smith from Red Hot Chilli Peppers) landed at No. 4, moving 79,000 units.
The only new albums that made “Billboard 200’s” Top 10 include “The Last” from Aventura (landing at No. 5 with sales of 47,000), rapper Mos Def’s “Ecstatic” at No. 9 and Pleasure P, who rounded up the Top 10 with “Introduction of Marcus Cooper ”.
