2 Chainz is America’s Most Wanted, for realz

2 Chainz wore two chains at a recent concert in London.
Credit: Getty Images

Who could have guessed that the federal government is tapping into our phone records?

Why, hip-hop’s 2 Chainz, whose latest single “Feds Watching” was released just about the time of the revelation in early June that the feds are indeed watching all of us.

“We knew that phone tapping has been going on since the beginning of phones, basically,” 2 Chainz says. “For me, I just tried to share some humorous or positive light to something that is obviously going on.’

The popping track, produced by Pharrell Williams, is the first from 2 Chainz’s upcoming album “B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time,” due in September from Island Def Jam.

“This album definitely shows signs of progression,” says 2 Chainz, aka Tauheed Epps of Atlanta. “I definitely believe in making this one better than the last. I traveled more than I ever traveled in my whole life, so I was able to indulge in other people’s cultures and hear other sounds that move, cause reflexes and get emotions going. I’m not a producer but I’m really intrigued by sound.”

2 Chainz is infusing hip-hop with a fresh, intriguing sound. He came to light in a big way on the Kayne West track “Mercy” and from there he released his solo debut, “Based on a T.R.U. Story,” last August. His music is Dirty South, absurdist, street hustle, free-wheeling and funny.

“My goal in life is to inspire you, and to be consistent and to work hard and do what I do,” 2 Chainz says. “It’s something I enjoy from the bottom of my heart, so it’s passion, that’s what it is.”

Before his current success, 2 Chainz was known as Tity Boi of the hip-hop duo Playaz Circle. The act had the hit “Duffle Bag Boy,” which featured Lil Wayne, in 2007 on Ludacris’ Disturbing Tha Peace label.

This next chapter of his career now finds him on the America’s Most Wanted tour with Lil Wayne and T.I., in town this weekend.

“Me and Wayne have been friends for over a decade now, so you can see the camaraderie when we go on stage together,” 2 Chainz says. “The energy turns up to another notch.”

America’s Most Wanted Festival 2013

with Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz and T.I.
Saturday, 6 p.m.
Susquehanna Bank Center
1 Harbour Blvd., Camden
$40.25 to $166
www.youngmoney.com