What’s in a name?

Well if the artist formerly known as Tity Boi but rechristened as 2 Chainz is any indicator, something as simple as a new name can seemingly revitalize a career and spawn two well received and hood approved mixtapes.

Still riding high upon the announcement of his recent signing with Def Jam and his anticipated collaboration with Kanye West, Chainz rode into Houston last night full of energy and rambunctious flows.

Held at Warehouse Live, Houston’s now almost customary venue for traveling artists, the show appeased both existing fans as well as provided surprises for those who simply wanted to see a good show.

Retail sponsor Check Other Outfitters boutique, and presenting sponsor Jessica Vickery of the heralded “H-Town It Girl” faction, made good on their promise to deliver a packed out house. I arrived to find the line wrapped around the block as scalpers, (yes scalpers) weaved through the line hawking tickets to the highly anticipated event.

I had not even gotten through the entrance, when a misunderstanding between an officer and rising Houston artist Hoodstar Chantz erupted, escalating into a full blown takedown right in front of me. Apparently not only does the Houston Police Department have their hands full rounding up people with traffic tickets, they also have to save us from artists who are set to perform, from entering…to perform?
Oh.

Upon entering I quickly made my way backstage, the area inundated with artists from throughout the city, including; Killa Kyleon, Trae, Z-Ro, Slim Thugga, Doughbeezy, Marcus Manchild, and Short Dawg, just to name a few.

Having missed the first half of opening acts, my night was started by a rousing performance from Hoodstar Chantz (apparently the police decided not to recreate March 3, 1991.) later joined on stage by MC Beezy.

This was followed by a performance from Big Boss E, having never seen him perform before, I was impressed by his lyrical dexterity, but became lost after two young ladies came on stage and promptly began to pop it on a hand stand.
Oh.

Propain, one of the leaders of Houston’s mounting group of young artists came to the stage next. With a stage presence far more mature than one would expect for a newer artist, he expertly commanded the stage; running through a few tracks off of his heralded “Dangerous Minds” projects before transitioning into a list of Houston hometown favorites, including an impromptu performance with LiL KeKe for “3 N Da Morning,” and Short Dawd for “H-Town.”

Paul Wall, still a pertinent fixture in Houston music society, came to the stage next. Accompanied by the legendary DJ Michael “5000” Watts and the always charming TV Johnny, Wall gave us his classics and introduced a few new tracks in preparation of his upcoming mixtape.
The esteemed MC Kane, virtual go-to host of Houston’s most anticipated events, and MC Beezy kept the show moving along in between sets; using a list of crowd interactive songs to keep our minds off the weed and cigarette fumes wafting through the rafters while we patiently waited for 2 Chainz to take the stage.

Finally it was time. As 2 Chainz strolled onto stage his laidback enthusiasm was infectious. As his set began one could feel the electricity throughout the room as he ran full speed through “Codeine Cowboy” and “T.R.U. Realigion,” before asking Houston vets like Trae, Z-Ro, Bun B, etc to join him onstage for a track dedicated to the late Pimp C.

In this reincarnation, Chainz is more weathered and mature than when we first encountered him in Playas Circle. Very much in control of his career and aware of its increasing speed one could not help but catch hold of his excitement, reciting line for line with him:
“The crazy thing about it…I been knew I had it. I was being patient, ya’ll was being stagnant.”

Now we all know he has it. Truuu.

Things I Missed:

The show was opened by The League of Extraordinary Gz of Austin, an out of town group that has garned a lot of attention both in Austin and Houston.
“This was a great way to kick off the month leading up to SxSW. Houston always shows the League a lot of love,” says group member Greezo.
Things I Caught:

Walking out the backstage exit, a group of artists stood talking amongst themselves. A young um, lady, clad in fishnet pants and a smile attempted to strike up a conversation with Z-Ro. He looked at her and turned back around. Hilarious.

Things You Would not Want to Miss:

Stay connect and in the loop by checking in with this event’s sponsors for future endeavors:

Event sponsor:

Jessica Vickery of the H-Town IT Girlz

Retail sponsor:

Check Other Outfitters located at

2507 Bagby St, Houston TX 77006

Photographer Credits:
Ashlee Ivery
Branden Cooperwood

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