Rapper 2 Chainz Arrested In Md.; Picture With Cops Causes Controversy
EASTON, Md. (WJZ) — There is controversy over a photo of a Grammy-nominated rapper with two Maryland State Troopers.
Rap star 2 Chainz was arrested on drug charges on his way to a concert on the Eastern Shore. Now there are questions about the troopers' conduct during that arrest.
Kai Jackson has more on the photo that's getting nationwide attention.
The contents of the car 2 Chainz was riding in got him arrested. But a photo after that arrest could be a problem for some state troopers.
If you've never heard of rapper 2 Chainz, the artist got prime-time exposure Feb. 11 on the CBS comedy Two Broke Girls.
"For those who don't know the story about 2 Chainz, he's definitely not new to the scene. He's been around since the '90s," said radio host E. Kane, 92Q Jams.
But 2 Chainz received no love on Valentine's Day after being pulled over by Maryland State Police.
This is a photo he posted on Instagram with two state troopers, saying "Locked me up, then Wanted pictures--smh." (sic)
The rapper, whose real name is Tauheed Epps, was a passenger in a vehicle in Easton, Somerset County that troopers stopped for speeding. Police say they found marijuana and paraphernalia. 2 Chainz and the driver were arrested.
It made him late to a scheduled concert at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
"He apologized. He was like, 'I'm sorry, you know I got arrested but you know I'm here now so I'm not going to dwell on that,'" a student said.
2 Chainz also appeared on the CBS Grammy Awards Show Sunday, Feb. 10.
Maryland State Police are also conducting an investigation into who initiated the picture of troopers posing with 2 Chainz.
"He was gracious enough to pose with the Maryland State Troopers that booked him," E. Kane said.
2 Chainz and the driver were released. However, at this time they still face a possible year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
2 Chainz was nominated for Best Rap Song, Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album at this year's Grammy Awards.
