By Patrick Cammarata

Rap veteran 2 Chainz (“Grey Area”), formerly known as Tity Boi, returns after two years, following the release of “So Help Me God!” in 2020. The newest album may be the final from the artist, following a tweet in July: “this gone be my last trap album, enjoy.”

The excitement for “Dope Don’t Sell Itself” has been growing over the past few weeks, after its release date was announced on Jan. 21 2022. In preparation for the new release, 2 Chainz performed a freestyle for “Power 106 Los Angeles” over the classic beat of “Passin’ Me By” by the Pharcyde (“Humboldt Beginnings”). The album “Dope Don’t Sell Itself” contains 12 tracks, and a star-studded lineup of features, including Lil Baby (“Do We Have A Problem?”), Roddy Ricch (“LIVE LIFE FAST”) and 42 Dugg (“Cold Gangsta”).

Out of the 12 tracks on the album, there were very few notable verses by 2 Chainz himself, due to him using mostly similar flows and having a lack of lyrical depth. While this is generally known and expected from the rapper, he made up for it in other ways in the past such as enjoyable adlibs, and almost comedic punchlines, which were mostly absent in this album.

While of course there were some exceptions, the most memorable parts of the album were from guest features. For example, Lil Baby on “Kingpen Ghostwriter” overshadowed 2 Chainz’ own performance in numerous ways. Not only did Lil Baby have a more impressive verse, but it sounded as if the beat was made specifically for him, causing it to not feel like a 2 Chainz song at all.

Standout tracks on the album include “Outstanding”, “Kingpen Ghostwriter”, and “10 Bracelets.” All of which contain features that were as strong, if not stronger than that of 2 Chainz himself. 

Similar to past releases such as “Rap Or Go To The League,” 2 Chainz continues to have wonderful production on his albums. While the album did not contain many of the impressive samples, and unique sounds that we have seen in previous albums by 2 Chainz, it fit the artists style perfectly. Whether it was a menacing, somewhat dark beat such as on “Kingpen Ghostwriter” for Lil Baby, or a truimphant, upbeat sound, like on “Lost Kings” for Lil Durk, the album contained excellent production.

Unlike past releases from 2 Chainz, there is not much of a reason to revisit “Dope Don’t Sell Itself.” Overall, many tracks felt predictable, the album lacked a large amount of creativity and even lyrical value compared to albums like “Based On A T.R.U. Story (Deluxe).”

Due to this being the apparent last trap album 2 Chainz will create, he is now creatively free and could follow this album up with a much more exciting, experimental sound, but “Dope Don’t Sell Itself” did not live up to its expectations, and if this is an indication for any of 2 Chainz’ upcoming releases, it seems as if his best is behind him.

Image from 2 Chainz via YouTube