According to an announcement from 2 Chainz, Rap or Go to the League was A&R’d by LeBron James.
“It’s been quite the journey to get here,” 2 Chainz shared on Instagram. “All night studio sessions, reflecting, & opening up on these records or as I call it therapy! This is my each one teach one body of work, I wanna celebrate black excellence!”
Rap or Go to the League marks 2 Chainz’s follow-up to 2017’s Pretty Girls Like Trap Music. In 2018, 2 Chainz released two EPs: The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It and Hot Wings Are a Girl’s Best Friend. Per a press release from Def Jam, 2 Chainz’s new album is being described as his “most personal, most lyrical, most soulful” record to date.
Along with the release date and a brief reflection of the making of the album, 2 Chainz shared an Apple Music-branded teaser for an upcoming interview alongside James. During the teaser, the living basketball legend can be heard strategizing how to best promote the project, while 2 Chainz recognizes how much it means to him to have James onboard.
As exemplified in a multitude of ways, James has long been a vocal supporter of countless hip hop artists, which makes it an interesting, but fitting plot twist of him turning his passion for music into another possible side hustle off the court.
The announcement arrives following the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, which featured performances from J. Cole and Meek Mill. Chainz was also in the building to celebrate the intersection of hip hop and basketball.
Take a look at the trailer for 2 Chainz’s Rap or Go to the League album below.