What could be more intoxicating than a dose of southern smothered gangsta lyrics mixed with a pinch of hot and sour flavored reality from Atlantic Records newest rap artist, T.I. aka TIP? If you were thinking a southern comfort mixed with a fireball then you're right! T.I. is a humble, quick witted, pragmatic, Atlanta native, who is taking the rap game by storm. Quickly becoming a household name of every hip-hop fan in the tri-state area and the country. His video's have glossed the screens of Black Entertainment Television and Urban Expressions.
The 23-year old got his start on Arista records, but soon departed after the release of his debut album, "I'm Serious." Back on the rap scene with his sophmore album, "Trap Muzik," T.I. discusses some of his musical influences and his latest album:
L.A.: Who were some of your musical influences?
T.I.: "Cube, N.W.A., Outcast, Scarface, and Too Short."
L.A.: Did they help cultivate your rap style?
T.I.: They made it easier for me to put my thoughts into words... it was before gangsta rap. before people started speaking their minds on certain subjects, it was like an unwritten rule on what you should and shouldn't be saying on records. They showed me how to speak my mind and give people a taste of my reality."
L.A.: Is "I Can't Quit" (track 2) about your personal struggle?
T.I.: "Yes, it's definitely about a personal struggle. I had to come to a revelation about putting my heart into my work and using my heart to make decisions. Just dealing with the ups and downs of this industry...all the bull shit and politics, that's brought before you on the day-to-day basis."
L.A.: Is the inspiration for "Rubber-band Man" (track 8) about your ability to bounce back from being a street hustler and being in the hood, to moving up to nicer amenities?
T.I.: "Yes, it's about me wearing rubber-bands... recognizing that there's still a struggle out there. That there's still people living like I used to. Just because I don't live like that, doesn't mean I close my eyes and turn my back and act like nothing's going on."
L.A.: What was it like working with Eight Ball, MJG, and Bun B on, "Bezzle" (track 13)?
T.I.: "It was a pleasure... it was an honor working with guys I had looked up to and had listened to their music for years, it was a privilege."
L.A.: What are your plans for the future?
T.I.: "Well on my personal label, "Grand Hustle," I have A.K. and Neckbone, a duo working on their album... the PSC project. I am also working on my next project. That should be ready by the summer. I may have a movie in the works... i've been looking for a few scripts."
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