2 Chainz has become an in-demand guest rapper, linking with a wide range of artists from Nicki Minaj to Kreaysawn to Justin Bieber. Now a seasoned guest-verse contributor, the artist formerly known as Tity Boi reveals his strategy for spreading his around sixteens without spreading himself too thin. 

“My whole theory behind doing guest features was to remain hot in the streets,” he told CBS Local, ”actually being a part of everyone’s google. When you google them, my name would pop up. 

To a great degree, 2 Chainz’s strategy worked. With his debut album, Based On A T.R.U. Story due out August 14, he’s built a buzz with appearances on the G.O.O.D. Music record “Mercy”; Nicki Minaj’s “Beez In The Trap”; and most notably, Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” remix. The Bieber connection, while a surprise to fans, was a welcomed challenge for 2 Chainz. 

“The Justin Bieber verse was something I could do,” he said. “The challenge was doing a clean witty verse without cursing, and to know the fan base and the crowd I was catering to. It was fun. I would love to do more records like that.” 

Form this point, 2 Chainz has moved into phase two in his featured artist strategy. Now, he stresses a certain quality over quantity. 

“Now it’s about doing features that matter or can help catapult my campaign or doesn’t make sense any more,” he said. “A feature that’s worth me doing would be something that’s outside my genre, something outside my comfort level, outside my box. Pop rock, R&B. Something that’s not a normal 16 [lines] that I feel like I can do ion my sleep.”

Apparently, he’s looking for more opportunities like his guest verse on Pop singer Dev’s “In My trunk.” And musicians from other genres are just as happy to oblige. 

“He liked my record enough to bless it with a remix,” Dev recently told Billboard. ”Probably one of my favorite verses…his verse is awesome.”

“I like challenges,” 2 Chainz said, “and I welcome those to take me to the next level as well.” 

Below, check out 2 Chainz’s three (or more) reasons why you should by Based On A T.R.U. Story, which is due in stores August 14. –Erik Parker, CBS Local