2 Chainz is switching gears to label head again, as he announces a partnership with Atlantic Records for his The Real University (T.R.U.) label. They plan to release a 2019 compilation, which will feature 2 Chainz and his Atlanta-based roster: Skooly, WORL, Hott LockedN, and Sleepy Rose.
Explaining the idea of T.R.U. and why 2 Chainz decided to work with Atlantic, he says, “I treat the record label as school with various levels.”
“That’s why we refer to it as The Real University. It’s a course you go through. Ever since my mixtape days, I’ve used the acronym T.R.U. It was a school of thought I put in place. It was all about me practicing what I preach, getting comfortable in my own skin, going through ups and downs, and moving forward.”
He adds, “Atlantic gave me the opportunity to share my vision. I’ve done so much music, and I’ve been successful. I’d like to pass those lessons to the youth. I’m concentrated on the future, making someone else’s dreams come true and giving them some rich people problems.”
The acronym T.R.U. has been a major part of 2 Chainz’s musical career, with the name being featured on his breakout 2011 mixtape T.R.U. REALigionand his debut album Based on a T.R.U. Story in 2012.
In 2015, The Real University dropped its first label mixtape titled T.R.U. Jack City, featuring frequent collaborators Cap 1, Skooly, and Short Dawg, the latter now known as Fresh.
To kick off the joint venture, 2 Chainz drops the Hitmaka-produced “Shoot It Out” with the collective. “It adjusts the mood on your face,” 2 Chainz says of the song. “It got the grit and the Atlanta sound I like to talk about. It’s a heavy one with a lot of power.”
You can stream it below.
