Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz took wildly different paths to stardom. Wayne became a household name in his teens, a prodigy who shared stages with Hip Hop’s greats before he could drive. In contrast, 2 Chainz spent years grinding under the moniker “Tity Boi,” a supporting act in Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace Records, before rebranding in his 30s and carving out his own lane. Despite their disparate beginnings, they now stand as elder statesmen of Southern rap, blending old-school Hip Hop ethos with blinged-out Southern swagger. Their second collaborative project, Welcome 2 Collegrove, is the follow-up to 2016’s Collegrove. That initial effort, hampered by Wayne’s label disputes, felt more like a 2 Chainz solo album with Wayne as a featured guest. This sequel, however, showcases a much deeper chemistry born of genuine friendship, even if it doesn’t quite hit the seamless camaraderie of a Ghostface and Raekwon on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx….
The album unfolds like a cinematic experience, segmented into five scenes narrated by 50 Cent. While the themes of each scene don’t always align perfectly with the tracks (“Crazy Thick” seems out of place in “Scene 3: Ladies Man”), the interludes lend the project a big-budget movie vibe. The production is equally grand, enlisting a Southern rap dream team that includes Mannie Fresh, DJ Toomp, Juicy J, and Mike Dean, alongside New York legend Havoc, who shines with standout beats on “Shame” and “Bars.” Production is a clear upgrade from their first collaboration. Tracks like “Big Diamonds” channel the glossy opulence of classic Big Tymers, while “Long Story Short” masterfully blends Project Pat samples into a syrupy boom-bap groove. Both Wayne and 2 Chainz thrive over soulful backdrops, as evidenced by highlights like “P.P.A.,” “Oprah & Gayle,” and “Can’t Believe You,” where lush instrumentals elevate their gritty, charismatic flows. Their collaborative history dates back to Wayne’s iconic hook on Playaz Circle’s 2007 breakout hit, “Duffle Bag Boy,” which helped catapult the then-Tity Boi into mainstream success. On Welcome 2 Collegrove, 2 Chainz takes the driver’s seat, infusing the project with his infectious charisma and sharp wit. He drops punchlines worthy of Wayne’s heyday: “They gon’ try to take me across the border, I’m so dope” (“Significant Other”), “Towel under door, but the pressure reakin’” (“Presha”), and “We on different planes if we is in the same boat” (“Bars”).
Wayne, meanwhile, delivers flashes of brilliance that outshine his recent mixtape, Tha Fix Before Tha VI. His earworm hook on “Long Story Short” and stellar verse on “Oprah & Gayle” remind listeners of his lyrical prowess with lines like, “Hoppin’ outta slide outs/Runnin’ through a walkthrough/Coupe on big wheels like a pony wearin’ horse shoes.” The project, recorded over seven years, includes leftovers from the Collegrove sessions (“Bars”) and occasionally shows its age. Opener “G6” feels like it belongs on the first installment, while “Transparency,” featuring Usher and borrowing lyrics from a 2021 Chris Brown track, comes across as a formulaic bid for radio play. Forced beat switches on some tracks further detract from the flow, making portions of the album feel disjointed. Despite these missteps, Welcome 2 Collegrove thrives on the undeniable chemistry of its creators and the variety of beats that showcase the duo’s mastery of Southern rap’s many flavors. Wayne and 2 Chainz keep the energy rooted in their Southern roots, exuding the confidence and flair that have defined their decades-long careers. The mayors of Collegrove might not venture far beyond their comfort zone, but they deliver a vibrant celebration of their shared legacy, proving that, even years into their reign, they still know how to throw a party worth attending.