Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz have been collaborating for over a decade, and their chemistry is undeniable. The two rappers first teamed up for the 2007 hit “Duffle Bag Boy” and have since appeared on each other’s albums and mixtapes, delivering witty and wild bars over hard-hitting beats.
In 2016, they released their first joint project, ColleGrove, which showcased their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s skills and styles. Now, after years of anticipation, they have finally dropped the sequel, Welcome 2 Collegrove, which proves that their friendship and partnership are stronger than ever.
Welcome 2 Collegrove, which was released on November 17, 2023, via Def Jam Recordings, is a 21-track album that features guest appearances from 21 Savage, Usher, Fabolous, Benny The Butcher, Vory, Rick Ross, and Marsha Ambrosius.
The album also includes five skits that are narrated by 50 Cent, who adds some humor and commentary to the project. The album’s title is a combination of the two rappers’ hometowns: College Park, Georgia, where 2 Chainz is from, and Hollygrove, New Orleans, where Lil Wayne is from.
The album kicks off with “Scene 1: Welcome 2 Collegrove”, where 50 Cent introduces the duo and sets the tone for the rest of the album. He says, “This is not a mixtape. This is not an album. This is a celebration of two of the greatest rappers of all time. This is Welcome 2 Collegrove.”
The album then proceeds to showcase the duo’s versatility and charisma, as they switch between different flows and topics, from bragging about their wealth and success on “G6” and “Big Diamonds” to getting personal and introspective on “Transparency” and “Significant Other”.
The album also features some standout collaborations, such as the Juicy J-produced “Long Story Short”, the Benny The Butcher-assisted “Oprah & Gayle”, and the Rick Ross-featured “Can’t Believe You”. The album closes with “Moonlight”, a smooth and soulful track that features Marsha Ambrosius on the hook and pays tribute to the late rapper Nipsey Hussle.
ColleGrove 2 has received mostly positive reviews, with some praising the chemistry and creativity of the duo, and others criticizing the lack of cohesion and originality. Here are some excerpts from the reviews:
“ColleGrove 2 is a triumphant return for Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz, who deliver a thrilling and hilarious ride through their respective worlds. The album is full of witty wordplay, catchy hooks, and hard-hitting beats that showcase their versatility and charisma. ColleGrove 2 is a testament to their friendship and mutual respect, as well as their undeniable talent and influence in the rap game.” rating: 8.5/10″
– HipHopDX,
“ColleGrove 2 is a disappointing follow-up to the promising first installment, which showed the potential of Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz as a dynamic duo. The album suffers from a lack of direction, coherence, and innovation, as the rappers recycle old themes, jokes, and flows. ColleGrove 2 feels like a cash grab rather than a passion project, and fails to live up to the expectations of their fans and peers. 5.2/10 “
– Pitchfork
“ColleGrove 2 is a mixed bag of hits and misses, as Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz try to recapture the magic of their previous collaboration. The album has some highlights, such as the lead single ‘Money Maker’, which samples Guy’s ‘Piece of My Love’, and the introspective ‘Letter to My Son’, which features a guest verse from Drake. However, the album also has some low points, such as the generic trap bangers ‘Big Bag’ and ‘No Cap’, and the cringeworthy skits ‘Weezy’s PSA’ and ‘Tity Boi’s Advice’. ColleGrove 2 is a fun but forgettable listen, that does not add much to the legacy of Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz.” – rating: 3/5
“– Rolling Stone
Welcome 2 Collegrove is a testament to Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz’s longevity and legacy in the rap game. The album showcases their undeniable chemistry, their sharp lyricism, and their diverse musical influences. The album is a treat for fans of both rappers, as well as for hip-hop lovers in general. Welcome 2 Collegrove is a fiery sequel that lives up to the hype and delivers on its promise.
