Professor Discusses Memoir Collaboration With 2 Chainz

Derrick Harriell shared insights at Trinity University regarding his work writing 2 Chainz's upcoming memoir.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap

Professor Discusses Memoir Collaboration With 2 Chainz

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Derrick Harriell, a professor and author, recently detailed his collaborative process with rapper 2 Chainz on the memoir 'The Voice in My Head is God.' Harriell spoke at Trinity University about the two-year journey spent crafting the project.

Why it matters

The collaboration highlights the intersection of academic mentorship and hip-hop storytelling. Juyoun Jang featured the event to showcase Harriell's unique approach to sharing knowledge and life experiences through long-form prose.

The memoir project required two years of development, with intensive nocturnal writing sessions lasting from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Harriell brings experience from authoring four previous poetry collections to this new work.

The players

Derrick Harriell

He is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a published author of four poetry collections.

2 Chainz

He is a prominent American rapper and songwriter who collaborated with Harriell on his forthcoming memoir.

Juyoun Jang

She serves as a program organizer who curated the talk to emphasize the value of mentorship.

The details

Harriell balanced his academic role at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with frequent travel between Mississippi and Atlanta to work with 2 Chainz. The two developed a deep personal rapport by bonding over their shared experiences as husbands and fathers during the grueling overnight sessions.

Summer 2023: Derrick Harriell received the initial email to collaborate with 2 Chainz.
October 12, 2026: Derrick Harriell spoke at Trinity University's The Conversation series.

Industry Dynamics

The collaboration reflects a broader trend of hip-hop artists partnering with established writers to craft memoirs that transcend standard industry bios. This move positions the project to capture both mainstream fan interest and critical literary attention.

Readers interested in the intersection of rap culture and literature can anticipate the memoir's eventual release to understand the artist's personal history. The talk at Trinity University provides a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes effort required to translate a musical icon's life into text.

The takeaway

Authors and artists often find the most success when they can bridge their personal lives as family men to build authentic, long-term creative relationships. Aspiring writers can look to this two-year project as an example of how patience and off-hour dedication lead to high-quality output.