Monday, December 8, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Breaking: Shawty Lo and T.I.’s Crew Brawl
Shawty Lo and members of T.I.’s Grand Hustle camp got into an altercation at the Dirty Awards in Atlanta on Monday during Lo’s performance of “Dey Know.” Alfamega of Grand Hustle was arrested and police had to use pepper spray to stop the fight. The awards were ended early.
T.I. was in the building, but was not directly involved. He later performed the “Ain’t I (Remix)” when a second altercation broke out where Alfamega reportedly threw a chair at someone and more fighting ensued…
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
T.I. Launches Akoo Clothing Brand in New York
TI launched Akoo clothing in New York this past Friday at the Taj Lounge along with RP55 their distribution partner who is also responsible for such brands as Shmack, Azzure and Indigo Red. The night was sponsored by GIANT magazine, which TI is currently on the cover of the mag.
I actually had the chance to see AKOO in Balboa clothing store in ATL and the assortment wasn’t that broad, but what they had was good quality and I’m just awaiting the denim tops, leathers and hoodies so far all I’ve seen was denim jeans and t-shirts which included the AKOO Respect My Vote shirt.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Default T.I. Begins on working on new Album
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thx to http://tharoyals.blogspot.com
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Middle School Students Sing About Voting – to T.I.'s Tune
They're not even old enough to vote – but that doesn't mean they can't be engaged in the political process and have some fun, too.
Middle school students from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta have scored a viral hit with their musical, non-partisan examination of the presidential candidates, "You Can Vote However You Like."
Set to the tune of rapper T.I.'s hit "Whatever You Like," the 6th and 7th graders square off, taking the positions of John McCain and Barack Obama supporters.
From the left, the pro-Obama students rap: "McCain and Bush are just the same/ You are to blame/ Iraq's a shame / Four more years would be insane." And the McCain supporters on the right counter: The conservative right/ Our future is bright/ Better economy in site/ And all the world will feel our military might."
So, what inspired them?
"We do debates within our classrooms," one student, Willie Thornton, said during a recent CNN interview (watch it below). "We try to incorporate those debates into our music and songs," which, he adds, are not meant to endorse a particular political point of view.
Said Thornton: "It doesn't necessarily show you which party to vote for but it gives you the good and bad of both parties."
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
T.I. - 106 & Park - Whatever U Like
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
T.I. Sits Down for Exclusive Interview with HipHopdx.com
Few in the game have a rap sheet like rapper, Clifford “T.I.” Harris. The rapper, songwriter and actor has become an entity within the Hip Hop realm unto himself.
With Paper Trail [click to read] in stores, the focus hasn’t really been on T.I. – the artist – but more so, Clifford Harris – the man.
Embroiled in a highly publicly legal issue, the 28-year-old self proclaimed “king of the South” has a lot to deal with. Heavy the head that wears the crown they say. HipHopDX sits down exclusively with T.I.P. at Atlantic Records as he discusses his newest project, waves off a history of trouble with Ludacris and hints at a possible collaboration with Jay-Z for The Blueprint 3.
HipHopDX: You always have a good fashion sense about yourself. What do you like to wear more – the clean cut look with the nice pocket or jeans, sneakers and a fitted cap?
T.I.: It all depends on the occasion, the event, what’s going on and my mood. Right now, I’m just cool, calm and casual. I’m really feeling my Jordan Retro’s – I forgot what number they are – they might be the 12's. They came out in ’94.
DX: Your song “Louis Rag” with Swizz Beatz got a lot of play in the clubs amidst all the hype of your case. What is it about “Louis Rag” that makes you feel that that was the right track to put out there.
T.I.: It’s just a party record, man. I want everyone to feel good, relax and have a enjoyable time. Me and Swizz [click to read] linked up to crank the clubs up, period… There’s no serious message behind it. It’s just a record to motivate and uplift the party. “Louis Rag” is something that you can play primetime in a club at 2:30, you know what I’m saying. Everyone pull they rags out they belt loop and if you’re anything like me, you keep your rag in your belt loop – and they’d swing they rag in the club and go nuts.
DX: How was it to go back to writing down lyrics after going off the top for a few albums?
T.I.: It wasn’t hard at all… It’s actually one of the easiest decisions to make. It was an easy transition to go back to writing. I could do it, actually, either way… It just depends on the track and how I feel. It’d be a way to catch the beat and I’ll go either way. I think that on the next album, I’ll do both – half of it off the top and the other half written and let the people judge for themselves. It’s two different sounds to doing that, of course, songs like “Top Back” [click to read], “What You Know (About That)” [click to read] that type of sound – I’ll go off the dome. But for that “I’m Serious” [click to read], “No Matter What” [click to listen] type of sound, then I start writing it down.
DX: It’s good to see you back with DJ Toomp, man. People felt that that one album where you weren’t together that he was sorely missed…
T.I.: Yeah, man… it was just the one album [without each other]. I mean we always family and always gone be it, so it was like… you know… it couldn’t be a reunited thing ‘cause we were never separated. We worked together on T.I. vs. T.I.P. [click to read], it’s just that the work that we did when we worked together, didn’t make the album.
DX: A lot of people would be surprised that you and Ludacris linked up to do a track for his new album. How’d that come together…?
T.I.: It was really simple – we agreed to do a record together. For real, me and Chris [click to read] ain’t never had no real issues between one another, ya dig? We never had a conversation that couldn’t be cleared up. We’ve had conversations where we most definitely had to get some things squared away. He had my number for quite some time and I his, so some times we’ll call each other every now and again to chop it up, unbeknownst to you – the public – of course. But you know everyone has issues. I consider dude, if nothing else, very worthy competition and I’ve never hated on dude, I ain’t never been a hater and never will be. So, since there’s no issue, there isn’t no problem and we ain’t got no beef. There’s no reason why we can’t be able to or why we shouldn’t be able to come together and make music.
DX: As a competitor in the game – do you think that you’re putting out your best work to date, yet?
T.I.: It ain’t my job to judge the music, it’s my job to make the music. I mean… I like all my music, but I wouldn’t make nothing that I wouldn’t like. But I’m going to give it to the people to make their own opinion and assessments. I’m going to let my work speak for itself. I play to win and you know everyone else is going to try to play their cards, well… when I play my hand, I play to win and don’t care what anyone else thinks.
DX: This may seem kind of stale, but a lot of people are still looking at fellow Khaled All-Star, Rick Ross, with the leery eye. Do you think that beef with T.I. isn’t what it seems and do you believe that Rick can come back from such an incident? DX: You had your trial and your sentencing are appreciative of the support you’ve received in the mainstream and from the regular folks? DX: When does the countdown show run? DX: You’ve done quite a few songs with Just Blaze now – can you talk about the song “Live Your Life”…? DX: Joe Budden kind of mentioned it by saying that he understood why you needed to get some ratchet. Can anyone understand this game that you’re in? DX: So what advice would you give you the kids on the street who are feeling the crunch during this rough financial crisis we’re going through? DX: On “Whatever You Like,” fam… you switched it up a little. You’re not going full-on Ja Rule, are you? DX: You and Jay-Z have a lot of similarities and are the king’s of your respective crafts. Would you and him ever do a song for Blueprint 3?
T.I.: None of my issues are ever WWE inspired. At the end of the day, with Ross [click to read], it’s none of their business. Real talk, I don’t care… We being stars! And with us being stars that means we put out a record for people to listen to. We put out movies for people to watch it. I mean that to say that you don’t need to know everything about our lives. Matter of fact, you’re not supposed to know anything about our lives because we stars… you supposed to know less about a star, then you do about a normal person. No one ever dug around [1930s villain actor] James Cagney’s closet to find any skeletons. You can’t rate or judge a person for what he or she has been through until one has sat through it or heard the other one say it.
T.I.: I really appreciate it and I know that they wish the best for me. I concur with them wholeheartedly. I wish better for myself, but now… I ain’t got the wish. I just got to make the necessary adjustments.
T.I.: The show…? Smart guy… It’ll be on TV around the first quarter of the year sometime. We’re still filming, did a few episodes, most of them being in Los Angeles, quite a few in Atlanta. I can’t really tell you what to watch out for, just watch the show, baby…
T.I.: Just Blaze did “Live Your Life” and it’s features Rihanna and the song is just talking about what we were just speaking on – how people think that just because you’re a celebrity that they should be so involved in your life. I’m like – well, you can cut your TVs on – and you’re in my world. The rest is just entertainment for you; I’m actually living it. I’m doing the things that you scared to death of doing, surviving the things that you think you’ll never through. So, it’s my life, the entertainer, you know I assumed the position and accept the responsibility of, you know, living through the things that you couldn’t probably make it through in order for you to be thoroughly entertained.
T.I.: I mean… In order to understand my thinking – and even though it was poor judgment – it was bad decision and to understand my train of thought, you’ll have to live my life and experience my danger. Live through certain situations and circumstances that I have and ask me how you feel. You got to put yourself in my shoes. You can’t think with your mind, being in your situation, about what you would do. You got to think as though you were in my situation and then ask yourself what you would do.
T.I.: I’d tell them straight up and down that I ain’t the last person out there who got guns. It’s other people out there who definitely got guns. Someone can be breaking into your house, right now. You ain’t gonna find out until you see the light, baby. It’s all the same thing, you know… clear and present danger. You need to be aware of that before you get yourself involved in something that could cost you your life or your freedom and they don’t wanna know that first hand.
T.I.: A full-on Ja Rule [click to read]… [Laughs] Man, I’ma do whatever my heart desires. Wherever my creativity leads me is where my artistic expression leads me to do. I’m not finna intentionally do something or not intentionally do something. I’ma do whatever is necessary to make some music.
DX: How was house arrest?
T.I.: It was house arrest. I’m blessed. I was able to be around my family and my children. I was able to go in my refrigerator, watch my TV, drive my car around the neighborhood and live my life before I go in the box.
T.I.: I don’t know… that’s a good question, man. It would depend on the song, on what kind of song it is. If he gets that record like a “[Dirt Off Your] Shoulder” [click to listen] then I’d probably come off the top of the dome. Whereas, if he gives me a record like “Renegade” [click to read] – that Eminem joint – then I’d probably write things down. In the end though, it’d be classic whatever myself and Hova [click to read] cook up.
Monday, September 29, 2008
WATCH: T.I.’s Birthday Party Teaser
Don't forget PAPER TRAIL hits stores everywhere TOMORROW 9/30!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
T.I.: AKOO dropping along with album “Paper Trail”
Anyway, TI is due to report to jail really soon and he’s gonna be away for one year. We just hope we still see him attending the AKOO launch. The king himself is really excited as well about his new album, titled “Paper Trail” that’s scheduled to drop on September 30th, but not too happy with the leaked tracks.
“I was excited about the album being done, but I’m really upset about the tracks coming out.”
Yeah. Not cool indeed.
Well, we know what’s cool, though. As Clinton Sparks say in the interview, go buy a sweater from AKOO and listen to the album.
Yes siree, we will do just that!"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Interview w/ Video
We’re 26 flights above Sixth Avenue, overlooking the Midtown bustle through giant windows in the Atlantic Records lounge. It’s been raining on and off all afternoon, sapping the energy out of the day and the sterile room. And Clifford “T.I.” Harris, arguably the world’s biggest rap star, is exhausted.
While a cameraman fiddles with equipment, Harris reclines his diminutive frame on a plush leather couch, ignoring a frazzled writer clutching a notepad, ready to get this last batch of interviews over with. When an assistant lets him know that there’ll be a photo shoot and drops for the new album to do before the day is done, T.I. snaps to attention, whipping off a sideways glare that’s equal parts irritation and helplessness.
It almost makes one feel bad for the young multimillionaire. And that’s before we consider the big picture—T.I. is squeezing in promotion for his sixth album, Paper Trail, in between a court mandated 1,000 hours of community service (in the form of educational speeches to schools and youth groups) and a one-year jail term, conditions of his plea bargain for violating his parole with possession of machine guns and silencers.
And then consider the circumstances once more--like the fact that the MC was at one point facing over ten years in the clink--and realize that nothing can be taken for granted: not the hugely anticipated album, not a burgeoning screen career, not another endless day of promotion. It’s a bizarre, perhaps unprecedented scenario—an entertainer at the peak of his abilities, forced to take a very public year off—and dude’s handling it to the best of his abilities. The mixed up life of Clifford Harris.
Before the assistant scurries out of the room, a cup of coffee is requested. “The way you had it before was good?” the suddenly meek underling asks. TI grunts his approval, and the camera rolls.
Once you began house arrest, how quickly did the process of writing down your rhymes come back to you?
My writing process came together pretty quick. It wasn’t very difficult at all to get accustomed, or adjusted, to the new creative process.
So you’d wake up in the morning, and go straight to writing?
Nah, usually stay up late at night and write.
And people would send beats over?
Absolutely. I actually started out, the first songs that I did, I did the beats myself. Or Smash Factory, my production team. Me, my homey Mars, I don’t know if little C’ helped me with these. And yeah, Smash Factory, we did the beats ourselves for the first couple of records we did.
Do you think it’s made you a better MC?
I think that I definitely tapped into a certain element that’s may have been missing. You know, whether or not that’s better, I won’t be the judge of that. I’ll let the fans be the judge of that.
What is that element?
I just think it’s another level of lyricism.
Is it something you’re going to keep doing?
I mean, that would largely depend on this one! (laughs). Quite possibly, you know.
Is there one line in particular that, after you wrote it, you were like, that’s it, that’s the shit right there?
(laughs). I mean, not one in particular, they all… I’m not gonna judge the music. I let the fans judge the music. I’m just gonna make the music.
You mentioned you almost missed house arrest after you got out. Was it because you got a chance to relax?
Yeah, I mean, waking up whenever you want to, nowhere to go, hanging out all day, not needing to put on no clothes, your robe and your basketball shorts and your slippers all day long. Lounging around the house. Asking everyone where to go where you want them to go, bring back what you want them to bring back…
Do you have any advice for those entering house arrest? What’s the one thing you need?
(laughs) Books. Books! Movies. Computer. A mac, for the iChat. Um, let me see. And, a woman (laughs)
What was the closest time that in your mind, you thought it would be a longer jail bid than what it ended up being?
Before I got my bond.
And what was going through your mind—your career, your life…
Family. Family first.
What’s your mental preparation for the year in jail?
It’s more of a physical, financial preparation. Mentally, once you’re there, you’re there.
So no big deal?
I ain’t gonna say [that]…it’s a big deal. But there’s nothing you can do to mentally prepare. You can think, and you can say what you want to say in your mind, but nothing prepares you, except actually being there. Once you get there, man, after about three days, you make your adjustments.
What kind of conversation were you having with the record label people? Did you feel any pressure to make this your biggest album?
Nah, I felt pressure to make it the best possible product that’s possible. I felt pressure to make the best possible product, just because…I mean as I do any of my albums, I want to make every album my best album. And when I stop feeling like I can’t make my best album…a better album than the last album…I’m gonna stop rapping.
So this is your best album right here?
I’m not gonna judge that. I’m not fit to judge the music, only to make it. I’m gonna let the work speak for itself.
I was all set to ask about Tha Carter III, and ask you if this was gonna blow Tha Carter III out of the water…
(laughs) you know, Wayne doing his thing right now. But you know, I’m not…that ain’t what I’m here for. I’m not here to critique any music, or compare any music.
On a lighter note, I watched the video for “Whatever You Like,” where you sort of pick up a girl at a fast food place. Have you ever done that in real life?
In my younger days.
What’s the best fast food place to pick up girls?
Let me think…I’ve picked up girls from McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wendys, Chic-Fil-A, Burger King. Several different places, in my younger days. Yeah.
Varsity? (from cameraman)
Man, I’ve never grabbed me some chicks from the Varsity, man. Hmm. I never really thought about that. Yeah (laughs) .My fast food days are over. I like soul food now. (laughs)
You’ve mentioned you wanted to shoot romantic comedies—what are some of your favorites?
Romantic comedies, some of my favorites—Hitch, Boomerang, the Breakup.
What about Hugh Grant? You like Hugh Grant?
You know, I haven’t seen a lot of his stuff. Give me an example…
Uh, Two Weeks Notice…you know, and those British ones, where’s he’s always trying to be charming and messing things up…
You know another one I’ve seen that I think I’d like, Honeymoon in Vegas. I think I’d enjoy that.
With the community service, are you getting better with public speaking?
Um, sure. It’s a phenomenal experience, I’m honored to be able to do it.
How honest do you feel you can be with them?
Absolutely, 100 per cent.
You’re fairly vocal about the election, with the Respect My Vote campaign. How do you stay informed?
CNN, Fox News, CSPAN, MSNBC. [the campaign] is going well. We just left “Money for Breakfast,” the Fox News morning show today, me and the reverend , Reverend Yearwood. It’s going well.
You’ve said this is a monumental election. What’s your feelings about what will happen? Or what should happen?
Ah man, you know, hopefully we can put someone in office who can make the necessary changes and necessary adjustments to push us forward.
What are the issues closest to you?
I mean, for one, the education systems in the inner city. I think the standards should be raised, the budget should be upped. I think something must be done about this home owner crisis, this foreclosure crisis, something should be done about the present state of the economy and the value of the US dollar. Something should be done about the shortage of jobs and of course, the price of gas (laughs)
saw what was going on with Ludacris’s support of Obama and Bill O’Reilly. I think he called Ludacris a radical, which is sort of just ridiculous.
I mean, yeah. I don’t know. I don’t know what to say about that for real. I definitely don’t share in his enthusiasm. Neither do I agree with all of the statements of Chris. But I don’t think he a radical just because his opinion differs from dude’s…I don’t’ think that gives him a right to pass judgment.
You’re cool with Ludacris now, you recorded…
We’ve always been cool. We had fun [recording]. [we did that] at my house. This was recently.
You guys hang out?
I mean, nah, not generally, but I’m sure it’s not beyond the realm of possibilities.
I saw you on a morning news show in Philly with a very chipper blonde lady.
Yeah, she was cool.
You handed it like a professional. When did you pick the skill to move from one world to another that seamlessly?
(laughs.) I’m still working on it. I’m still working on it. Practice makes perfect. The more you invite me on your TV shows, the better I’ll be.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
BET Hip Hop Awards Celebrate T.I. on Three Nominations
T.I.’s sixth studio album PAPER TRAIL is scheduled for release September 30, and is available now for pre-order at www. trapmuzik. com/preorder.
The BET Hip Hop Awards are scheduled for Thursday, October 23 at 8 PM EST/PST so don’t miss out!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Yung L.A. - Ain't I (Remix) (Feat. Young Dro & T.I.) (Behind The Scenes) (Part 2)
Yung LA feat. Young Dro & T.I. - Ain't I Remix SHOOT Pt. 2
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Paper Trail Tracklist ?
Tracks
1. No Matter What
2. Been There Done That
3. What Up, What'S Haapnin'
4. Swing Your Rag
5. Live Your Life
6. Propane
7. Yeah
8. Collect Call
9. My Life Your Entertainment
10. Beat Down
11. On Top of the World
12. I'M Illy
13. Bright Lights
14. Out In the Cold
15. Bed, Bath & Beyond
16. It'S All G
17. 56 Bars (Intro)
18. Whatever You Like
19. Slide Show
Friday, September 12, 2008
T.I. feat. PSC - Concert
Performance: Rubberband Man, ASAP, Set It Out, Im A King, Get Loose, Bring Em Out, U Dont Know Me
Part 1/2
T.I. feat. PSC - Concert Part 1/2
Part 2/2
T.I. feat. PSC - Concert Part 2/2
MORE COMING SOON!!!!!!!!
Yung LA feat. T.I. & Young Dro - Ain’t I Video Shoot
Thursday, September 11, 2008
T.I.'s New Video Premieres Friday At StreetCred.com
The video will be the third to be released from T.I.'s up-coming album "Paper Trail" with videos for "No Matter What" and "Whatever You Like" already circulating.
The video for "Whats up, What's Haapnin" was shot at Atlanta's Bowen Homes.
T.I.'s single "Whatever You Like" is the current #1 song on the Billboard Top 100.
Source: http://tharoyals.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Big Kuntry - My Turn To Eat TRACKLIST
Track
1. Intro
2. Tool In Da Pocke
3. Da Badde
4. We Iz
5. Pots and Pans
6. Soul Of A Man ft. Ricco
7. Love You The Right
8. We Here
9. Focus
10. Posse
11. Yeah (I'm On It)
12. That'
http://store.atlanticrecords.com/albumview.asp?idproduct=66267
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Paper Trail’s Tracklist
oon-to-be incarcerated rap star T.I. recently made digital download history when his single “Whatever You Like” hopped from No. 71 to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
Now the official track list of his upcoming album Paper Trail (which will be released Sept. 30) has hit Amazon.com. Check it out:
1. 56 Bars (Intro)
2. I’m Illy
3. Ready For Whatever
4. On Top Of The World (feat. Ludacris and B.o.B)
5. Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)
6. Whatever You Like
7. No Matter What
8. My Life Your Entertainment (feat. Usher)
9. Porn Star
10. Swing Ya Rag (feat. Swizz Beatz)
11. What Up, What’s Haapnin’
12. Every Chance I Get
13. Swagga Like Us T.I. and Jay-Z (feat. Kanye West and Lil Wayne)
14. Slide Show (feat. John Legend)
15. You Ain’t Missin’ Nothing
16. Dead And Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake)
http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/08/ti_papertrail_tracklist/