2 Chainz: B.O.A.T.S. II #METIME (Deluxe): the cookbook

For my fellow hiphop headz out there, 2 Chainz just pulled the biggest foodie/rap crossover since half the rhymes on Action Bronson's "Blue Chips"

Today he dropped his new record, the ridiculously titled "B.O.A.T.S. II #METIME" which has some fun club bangers on it. The best part though, is the 16 recipe mini .pdf cookbook that's attached to the liner notes. As pointed out by Grubstreet, he colors the instructional parts of each recipe with directives to "Put on your Versace apron" and "Spend some more 'me time' at the house, catching on old seasons of The Wire." and other swagged out lifestyle maneuvers to put you into the 2 Chainz vibe.

The recipes aren't half bad though, the kind of downhome baller fare you'd expect from a millionaire southern rapper. His scampi recipe and smoky kale greens are two that I might actually give a shot. The cookbook was compiled by 2 and his tour cook, so its unclear if Mr. Chainz actually cooks this stuff for himself, especially from these recipes. One recurring misstep is the instruction to bring every thing to a boil, never a reduced heat on any of the sauces or sautés. There's also plenty of pre-made sauces popping up in odd places like Hoisin marinade for shrimp and grits. I got a good chuckle from the recipe for "Me Time" Sauce which is mayo amped up with BBQ sauce and seasonings that is meant to be served with many of the other recipes.

I quite appreciate his cooking philosophy:

2 Chainz wrote:2 CHAINZ DOESN’T WRITE DOWN HIS MUSIC, IT FLOWS NATURALLY FROM HIS MIND. FOLLOW 2 CHAINZ, AND FEEL FREE TO FREESTYLE YOUR COOKING UNTIL YOU (AND WHOEVER’S EATING ALONGSIDE YOU) ENJOY IT. FINALLY, REMEMBER: EMBRACE MISTAKES, AND ALWAYS COOK WITHIN YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

I'm thinking a 2 Chainz dinner party might be in the cards.

Jefe,

Thank you for keeping me well versed in hiphop headz culture. I never would have otherwise known. I now have some surprising comments to make at Thanksgiving dinner.

Regards,

I get the "embrace mistakes" part, but "always cook within your comfort zone"? That doesn't sound like the 2 CHAINZ I know.