Music

2 Chainz Introduces His New Alter Ego In The Luxurious ‘Toni’ Video

Even when he’s adopting a new character, 2 Chainz’s charisma is unavoidable. …

Atlanta trap rap anchor artist 2 Chainz always seems to find a way to make even the most simple video concepts engaging in his execution. In the video for “Money Maker,” he highlighted HBCU marching bands, while in the one for “Quarantine Thick,” a sleepover evolves into a pizza party feeding frenzy. Most recently, he adopted the doppelganger approach for “Can’t Go For That,” playing off fellow ATLien Andre 3000’s video for “Hey Ya!” His latest video from So Help Me God, “Toni,” employs another simple treatment: Chainz lounges on a bed in an opulent mansion while two women twerk and pillow fight behind him.

As I said, it’s a simple concept — but something about it just works. Chainz knows his brand and sticks to it, even when he’s opening up political rallies with rambling speeches and performances of his biggest hits or popping up on a special Atlanta rap icon-themed episode of Celebrity Family Feud. That self-possession benefits him a lot; despite havng to push back the release of his latest album, So Help Me God, he still managed to complete a near-flawless rollout, previewing songs from the album early on NBA 2K21, trading hits with Rick Ross in a good-natured Verzuz battle, and using strategic guest appearances, such as his verse on the remix of Kanye’s “Nah Nah Nah” to keep 2 Chainz on the top of rap fans’ minds throughout 2020. Now that he’s introduced us to “Toni,” it’s almost guaranteed he’ll keep that momentum going thanks to his new alter ego.

Watch the “Toni” video above. Listen to So Help Me God, out now on Def Jam, here.

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Album Review

Paul Terry, Aptøsrs & Cellarscape unite on bold new album “Alternative Piano Club”

Combining his three artistic alter egos, Paul Terry presents an awe-inspiring new 12-track album, “Alternative Piano Club,” written in collaboration with Aptøsrs and Cellarscape. This is an album-length voyage of music that blends acoustic, rock, and piano-driven cinematic sounds.

Torn between this complex emotional spectrum, all the while the piano remains at its core throughout. Paul Terry opens his “Memento Mori (Chromogenic Phase)” contemplatively, creating a solemn, reflective mood. Cellarscape’s “Three Years Of Roses“ is warmer, whereas Aptøsrs’ “Questionnaires“ is much more textured as a large, sculptural post-rock.

“Dave’s Theme,” written by Paul Terry, musically expands the narrative with a touch of cinematic elevation that aligns well. “We Shape The Clouds” by Cellarscape is fluffy and heart-warming, “Writers Behind The Curtain” is somber, more narrative. We are all together in “A Place We Made,” an honest, intimate, emotionally grounded space.

The project contains vocal warmth and cultural depth in the song “This Is My Home“ by Silas Miami & Lana Crowster. Proceeding in a totally different direction is the stronger emotional clarity of Paul Terry’s acoustic storytelling on “Any Time You Want To Fly” and “No Sleep Has Come.” Cellarscape presents a wide, spacious atmospheric moment in “Cygnus,” while Aptøsrs ends with “Rust Mountain (Monochrome Piano Version),” a simple gem that brings the project full circle.

The mixing of Sam Okell and Adam Noble, the mastering of Alex Wharton and Robin Schmidt have, in many ways, brought their polish to it while still making it feel human. “Alternative Piano Club” is a work entity, where three musical personalities met and talk mind in the same emotional language.

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Artist Spotlight

LAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”

LAST ALEX!, a Chicago-based artist and producer, comes out with “Plus 1,” a high-energy release that combines technical prowess with an undeniable melodic instinct.

LAST ALEX! puts both craftsmanship and creativity on display here. The song’s strength lies in its balance, in detailed execution without sacrificing feeling, and in complexity without losing momentum.

LAST ALEX! doesn’t fully lean into the cold technique or loose emotion, but finds the sweet spot where skill and soul meet. This yields a polished, vibrant, and musically confident track.

Connect with LAST ALEX! on Spotify