Club Shay Shay - 2 Chainz Part 2

Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guest: 2 Chainz
Release Date: May 21, 2025

Overview:
In the second installment of his interview series, Shannon Sharpe engages in a deep and candid conversation with the multi-talented artist 2 Chainz. The episode delves into 2 Chainz’s personal journey, career transitions, insights on success, and his perspectives on various aspects of the entertainment industry.

1. Early Life and Upbringing

2 Chainz opens up about his challenging upbringing, being raised by a single mother and the responsibilities he shouldered from a young age.

• Single Mother Household:
  "Actually, it's like, it's cool. I don't think I would change it. I don't know how. I don't think I would change it because now I had to be the man of the house." ([17:10])

• Early Responsibilities:
  "I got to sell drugs. I actually started selling drugs at 12 but they were just nicks. But it was for my mom and her boyfriend." ([24:26])

2. Struggles and Turning Points

2 Chainz recounts his early encounters with the law and how these experiences shaped his path.

• Juvenile Detention Experiences:
  "I remember just really wanting to like, have access to me to just like sell my weed to him." ([09:25])
  "I say, God has punished me from break. I said, I was supposed to be in here." ([29:28])

• Impact of Early Arrests:
  "Anything can help you live long enough. You know, stay out of prison, stay out of the graveyard, man." ([31:39])

3. Career Transition: From Basketball to Music and Filmmaking

2 Chainz discusses his shift from aspiring basketball player to a successful rapper and filmmaker.

• Basketball Aspirations:
  "I was recruited by Memphis. So that was one of the places I thought I was going to play to like, live out his footsteps." ([53:08])

• Transition to Music:
  "I don't care about basketball no more. Really didn't care about that." ([35:18])

• Filmmaking Ventures:
  "I shot my first short film called Red Clay. I shot it last summer, roughly, based upon my life." ([12:11])

4. Personal Life and Marriage

A heartfelt discussion about his relationship with his wife, Keisha, and the significance of their commitment.

• Proposal Story:
  "I get to pulling it, and it comes on out. And so I get on the knee... She think I guess fail or something." ([40:23])

• Maintaining a Strong Marriage:
  "You can't really just find it everywhere, especially when you become a certain." ([38:39])

5. Insights on Success and Motivation

2 Chainz shares his thoughts on achieving success later in life and encourages listeners not to give up.

• Success at 35:
  "It may be too late for them if that's what they believe." ([50:33])

• Overcoming Adversity:
  "I've lived being consciously a little bit more mature than, say, somebody else." ([19:13])

6. Views on Strip Clubs and Music Culture

An in-depth look at the interplay between strip clubs and the music industry, and his role in selecting dancers for his establishments.

• Selecting Dancers:
  "If they can dance, then you start looking at other things... it's up to me." ([07:29])

• Music’s Influence:
  "Records really, when they do good in Atlanta strip club, they do good all over because it's like a weird science to it." ([08:25])

7. Basketball Interests and Favorite Players

2 Chainz articulates his passion for basketball, highlighting his all-time favorite players and his own basketball experiences.

• Favorite Players:
  "Jordan, Kobe, LeBron. I throw Shaq in there, and if I want to win all the games, I'm gonna have to put Step in there." ([54:20])

• Basketball Games:
  "When y' all was calling me by my government name." ([38:39])

8. Entrepreneurial Ventures and Products

2 Chainz discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, including his short film, music projects, and product lines like Halo Cologne.

• Collaborations and Projects:
  "I want to be behind the camera... what's after that, which will be aligned and tied to that." ([12:10])

• Product Promotions:
  "Halo has sold 1000 bottles of cologne already called Halo by Halo. And you can go to meandhalo.com to purchase it." ([61:14])

9. Advice and Legacy

Wrapping up, 2 Chainz imparts valuable advice to aspiring individuals, emphasizing resilience and the importance of personal growth.

• Living Through Hardships:
  "What don't kill you, make you stronger. In this case right here. I appreciate it." ([19:13])

• Encouragement to Persist:
  "A lot of people don't feel like they make it by 21, 22... but here you are." ([50:03])

Notable Quotes

• On Early Life Responsibilities:
  "I had to be the man of the house." ([17:10])

• On Overcoming Adversity:
  "I've lived being consciously a little bit more mature than, say, somebody else." ([19:13])

• On Success and Belief:
  "It may be too late for them if that's what they believe." ([50:33])

• On Personal Growth:
  "What don't kill you, make you stronger." ([19:13])

• On Maintaining Marriage:
  "You can't really just find it everywhere, especially when you become a certain." ([38:39])

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay offers an unfiltered glimpse into 2 Chainz’s life, showcasing his resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to personal growth and family. Shannon Sharpe facilitates a conversation that not only highlights 2 Chainz’s successes but also underscores the importance of overcoming adversity and staying true to one’s values. Whether you're a fan or someone seeking inspiration, this episode provides valuable insights into the making of a modern-day icon.