Based on a T.R.U. Story
by 2 Chainz
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Aug 14, 2012
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 19
  3. Negative: 4 out of 19
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  1. Exclaim
    Sep 5, 2012
    80
    2 Chainz's debut album is a triumph on so many levels.
  2. Paste Magazine
    Aug 29, 2012
    77
    With the no-bullshit, spare-n-catchy Based on a T.R.U. Story, Chainz confirms himself as the quintessential 2012 rapper.
  3. Rolling Stone
    Aug 29, 2012
    70
    2 Chainz commands the spotlight--rapping about success and sex with the irrepressible enthusiasm of the upstart he isn't.
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 29, 2012
    70
    2 Chainz over-promises and almost delivers on his official debut, putting him right in the punch-line rapper's sweet spot.
  6. The A.V. Club
    Aug 29, 2012
    67
    Based On A T.R.U. Story finds 2 Chainz mining the same territory he's been exploring for the past couple of years throughout his Codeine Cowboy and T.R.U. Realigion mixtapes, but fleshed out by the hollowness that comes as a side effect of spending too much time with Kanye West.

Awards & Rankings

74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2012
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 69
  3. Negative: 25 out of 69
  1. amirhossssein
    Sep 1, 2012
    0
    simply the worst album of the past few years
    no flow no lyrics no decent sound no content even guest verses were equally bad , Nicki Minaj    simply the worst album of the past few years
    no flow no lyrics no decent sound no content even guest verses were equally bad , Nicki Minaj and lil wayne did what they do best (delivering unworthy of listening verses) and even kanye felt 2chainz's effect and did one of his worst verses of his career
    if Trap rap is a hole in hiphop's heart 2 chainz is at the end of the hole trying to dig it deeper    … Full Review »
  2. carAnthony
    Mar 27, 2019
    3
    Hella overrated rapper, I knew that before I listened to the album, but still want to hear it for some reasons... Lyrically sucks, but half ofHella overrated rapper, I knew that before I listened to the album, but still want to hear it for some reasons... Lyrically sucks, but half of the album is still listenable especially for the beats (they fire on the pretty much whole project) and guests which overshadows 2 Chainz bars & real wack vocabulary. Anyway it's crappy/meh album and might be one of, if not the worst album I ever heard.
    Lyrics 2/10 (WEIGHTED AVERAGE - 0.5-1 for Tity Boy, 4 for guests)
    Beats 6/10
    X-Factor 3/10    … Full Review »
  3. ArtRushmer
    Feb 12, 2016
    2
    Six songs in and I've not heard anything distinguishable from one to the next... every beat is generic, and there are only so many times aSix songs in and I've not heard anything distinguishable from one to the next... every beat is generic, and there are only so many times a theme can be repeated... You do crack, you boast about guns and money, Louis V, and you like strippers, almost as much as someone else's girl... I got all that from the first 10 mins. All the depth and complexity one would expect from a one-dimensional rapper who delivers gems like "If you a chicken head, go somewhere and lay some eggs" or "I am gettin' to the money, Crocodile dundee" and dont get me started on the laughable vocals on 'I Luv Dem Strippers'. Even the one genuine opportunity at something meaningful on 'Ghetto Dreams' turns out to be more dreaming about making cash. In all honesty, Im proud of myself for staying awake through this drivel... PS. It helps if your TRU story is actually interesting.
    My Top Tracks: No Lie, In Town, I Feel Good    … Full Review »
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