ATLANTA - Tauheed Epps, an American rapper better known by his stage name 2 Chainz, has purchased a third chain. He says that this is a step forward for his career and image as a public figure. "My third chain is a symbol of me evolving as a person," said 2 Chainz in an interview conducted by TMZ.

After the release of his FreeBase EP on May of 2014, 2 Chainz has been working on his image to be a better influence to "the young black boys and girls in America." Epps told TMZ, "you know I'm a big deal, right? People look up to me as their inspiration. That's why I need to guide them. This third chain will cement my iconic change from 2 Chainz to," he paused briefly and looked up to the skies, "3 Chainz."

Rick Ross, another rapper who has worked with 2 Chainz, told reporters that "he's very happy" that other rappers are following his footsteps in changing their public image, referring to his recent loss in weight.