By Krystle Coleman
It is 2:20PM, the ticking of the clock is echoing through the room. Excitement sets in my fingertips and butterflies have taken over my insides. Curiosity awaits me and then my foot taps begin to fade. The reality sets in and I eventually realize that if I am going to interview T.I. momentarily I should probably put my cool on. Reality can be harsh and that’s all – rapper phenomenon, T.I. can offer is his southern nonchalant tone, hood background, cool, composed demeanor and most of all his real candid attitude.
At the first encounter with T.I. one may be caught off guard by his relaxation and abatement and slip in to the thought that you are engaging in conversation with a distant love one or an old high school buddy and become a loss for words in amazement. Curiosity is faded and conversation is fulfilled and my pen begins to dance to an Urban Legend. As the brash, confident, rapper T.I. begins to take me on a preview of the past with trials and tribulations, jail, setbacks, haters, and skeletons creeping from the closet. And on a journey to the bright, luminous future that holds all the keys T.I.’s hidden image. Let the fun begin; and the truth be heard, I am a firm believer that T.I. is a fierce remedy who care less if you like him or if you don’t, either way one will hear what this rapper sensation of the South will have to say. Although T.I. speaks in another language one can understand if they take time out and listen clearly.
Krystle – Let me start off by asking who are some of the producers and featured
artist, you worked with Urban Legend?
TI – Producers: Swizz Beats, Scott Storch, Lil’ John, Jazze Pha, (Daz) David
Banner, Pharrell, Mannie Fresh and more. (Features artist) include, Lil’ Wayne,
Trick Daddy, Pharrell, Mannie Fresh, Nelly, Lil’ Kim and Jazze Pha.
Krystle – This album is highly anticipated what are some things to expect from this album that differs from your other albums?
TI – “More diversity different types of music a wider variety different selections.”
Krystle – You seem to be an edgy and blunt artist do you think your ability to express yourself freely will benefit your career or work against you in the
industry?
TI – “I honestly believe it will do both.”
Krystle – Are there any artist male/female that you admire or that have an influence on your music?
TI – “I am inspired by some of the best, Eminem, Jay Z, Dr. Dre, Outkast, and
Scarface.”
Krystle – You are an artist where your music deals with all aspects of life; what are
some of the different aspects?
TI – ” Pro’s and Con’s trials and tribulations going to jail, dealing with haters
women who have ulterior motives and other things of that nature.”
Krystle – You are one of the artists in the mist of the Joint Chiefs Campaign right now with other artists that share the same label as yourself such as Trick Daddy,
Twista, Fat Joe, and Fabulous, coming out around the same time? How do you
feel about the album release rush?
TI – “I think it is good publicity; good music all sharing even exchanges working
with each other, covering ground locking all markets.”
Krystle – How do you feel about your setback at the height of your music career?
TI – “It was just a tribulation, it is done and it did not kill me it only made
me stronger.”
Krystle – Where did T.I. originate from?
TI – “It is a nickname I shortened it because it was the same as Q Ti p so, I
shorten it and that made T.I.”
Krystle – You recently won the Vibe Street Anthem award for “Rubber Band Man”; Why do you think your sound and style can capture the streets?
TI – “It is a sound that people can relate too; they can familiarize there selves
with the song.”
Krystle – What is up with the mix tape drama and beef in general with you and Lil’
Flip, Luda, and DTP is this battle for the king of the throne or is it much
deeper?
TI – “Who? Who? (in a sarcastic tone) Nothing, that issue is not for the public.”
Krystle – T.I. is a artist that raps about personal experience, what do you think
about artists whom portray the thug image and sell records about coming from
the streets?
TI – “F*ck em, let the streets handle them.”
Krystle – Besides the King of the South battle how do you fell about the south
penetrating the East Coast market?
TI – “I have a lot of relationships with the east; I am cool with all of the
other best rappers. I switch up the style and remain at the top of the
game. I just do what I do.”
Krystle – Do you plan to embark on any other area of the industry, far as movies,
clothing lines, etc?
TI – “Yeah, it is in process, right now I am focusing on my music.”
Krystle – Any last words you want to provide your fans with or say anything before we finish?
TI – “I appreciate the support and Urban Legend November 30, 2004″!!! PUB
If you didn’t know besides being an Urban Legend, TI is part of the strategic Joint Chiefs Campaign that also feature Atlantic labelmates Trick Daddy, Fabulous, Fat Joe, Twista and new to the crew Juvenile. Expect big things in 2005 as these street MC’s embark on a possible Joint Chiefs Tour possibly coming to a city near you.
For more info on TI check him out at www.trapmuzik.com
