2 Chainz Expresses 'Shock' After Grammy Nomination

2 Chainz's T.R.U. story just got a little better. After it was announced on Wednesday that Tity Boi's Based on a T.R.U. Story got a 2013 Grammy nom in the Best Rap Album category, MTV News reached out to the Atlanta rap king to get his reaction.

"This is a moment of shock mixed with gratefulness. 2012 has been an unbelievably blessed for me, my family and my team in so many ways," he said in an email on Friday (December 7). "We've worked so hard to create music that the fans can appreciate. And it definitely paid off."

Despite having a monster year, 2 Chainz remains humbled by the recognition that he has received. In the months leading up to his album release, he became the most in-demand guest rapper, delivering verses for Kanye West ("Mercy"), Justin Bieber ("Girlfriend" remix) and Nicki Minaj ("Beez in the Trap"). By the time Based on a T.R.U. Story dropped on August 4, fans were well in tune with 2 Chainz's free-wheeling rap style.

The LP didn't disappoint either, led by the Drake-assisted "No Lie" and held up by the infectiously good big-booty ode "Birthday Song" with Kanye West. Outside of the commercially released singles there were a number of gems on T.R.U. like the soulful "Stop Me Now" and "Yuck!," the album opener which he performed alongside Lil Wayne at the 2012 VMAs. Now Deuce is being recognized along with Drake (Take Care), Lupe Fiasco (Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt.1), The Roots (Undun), Rick Ross(God Forgives, I Don't) and Nas (Life is Good) for album of the year.

"I knew when I put the album out that it would be received well, but a Grammy Rap Album of the Year nomination far surpasses my dreams. To be in the same category with legends like Nas. Man, that's a big honor," he said before name-dropping another T.R.U. favorite. "I'm Extremely Blessed."

Do you think 2 Chainz will take home a Grammy in 2013? Leave your prediction in the comments!