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2 Chainz Subtly Proves ‘I’m Different’ in No-Nonsense ‘Kimmel’ Performance

2 chainz, jimmy kimmel

It’s not always easy to get a clear view of 2 Chainz during his appearance last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The studio audience has too many hands waving in the air. The recently ubiquitous Atlanta rapper performed “I’m Different,” which SPIN’s Nick Murray, in a review of the former Tity Boi’s freshly gold-certified 2012 album Based on a T.R.U. Story, explains by saying, “That difference has something to do with thousand-dollar sneakers, hundred-thousand-dollar guest verses and cars with missing ceilings.” Which is true, but those foreboding keyboard plinks and crisp 808 thwacks, courtesty of producer Dijon “DJ Mustard” McFarlane, also owe to the “ratchet” sound, as our own Christopher R. Weingarten noted. But that’s just 2 Chainz slotting into a bigger trend. When it comes to that Kimmel performance itself, what’s so different? Look at that joyful crowd again. Observe 2 Chainz’s easy rapport with them — “swagger” is past its expiration date, but it certainly applies. The most crucial differences aren’t always the obvious ones. Doesn’t make ’em necessarily any less real.