BIO
T.I. has grown to truly be one of his generation’s most captivating
speakers. Whether he's conversing frankly with a room full of youth
about the positive side of staying in school and following their
dreams, or moving tens of thousands at one of his concerts,
audiences are engrossed by the King of the South’s words. On
September 30, 2008, he delivers his most potent and important LP to
date, Paper Trail.
“I’m not doing too much pre-hype on the album,” Tip says of his new project. “I just want everyone to know that it’s coming out, and that I’m going to answer a lot of questions in the music. It’s intense and insightful; it’s gonna shake up the game and it’s me at my best.”
Paper Trail’s title is a direct reference to T.I.’s return to literally writing down his lyrics – a practice he hasn’t engaged in since his debut, I’m Serious, in 2001. Ironically, he found that going back to the basics has helped him evolve into a better MC.
“I’ve had phenomenal success on my previous albums by just going into the booth, letting the music flow through me, and being spontaneous with it. This time I wanted to try something different. My writing is a little more structured and thought out, but it’s still art at the end of the day. It’s still free-flowing.”
The new album’s official lead single is the #1 smash “Whatever You Like,” a glamorous glance into what it would be like to receive the royal treatment by the King of the South. Produced by acclaimed hitmaker Jim Jonsin, the seductive jubilation takes us to a place where the only thing more abundant than the King of the South’s endless cash flow, is his limitless flow of rhyme and melody.
"In so many of my records that I've crafted that address women, the ladies have catered to me in those songs,” Tip says. “In this particular record, I wanted to show my appreciation and reverse the roles a little. I tell the females don't worry; the sky's the limit. No desire is too great. Live your fantasy."
Paper Trail’s first street tease, “No Matter What,” is the definitive declaration of T.I.’s stance as a man undeterred and an artist unrivaled, as well as a testament to how his faith in a higher power helped him get through a very public period of turbulence in his life.
“Somehow I rise above my problems and remain here,” the hip-hop veteran raps. “Yeah, and I hope the picture painted clear./ If your heart’s filled with faith then you can’t fear./ Wonder how I face years and I'm still chillin’./ Easy, let go and let God deal with it.”
In November of 2007, T.I. was arrested on firearms possession charges. Subsequently, he was placed under house arrest for almost seven months. Earlier this year, Tip pleaded guilty and he faces jail next year. He has also been ordered to serve over 1,500 hours of community service.
“Obviously that was one of the worst mistakes of my entire life, but I will not let that mistake characterize my existence or my contribution to society,” says T.I. “I cannot go back and change the past, but I can learn from it, and teach others how a poor assessment of a situation can not only affect you drastically but also impact the ones you love. It’s something that I still have to deal with.”
There will never be a quandary too large to make T.I. give up hope. The King of the South has made the pledge to himself, his family, and his fans to always hold his head high and persevere through any predicament -- whether it be persecution, prosecution, or the loss of loved ones.
Another emotive moment on Paper Trail is “My Life, Your Entertainment.” The King talks about some of the consequences of being a high-profile celebrity and candidly speaking MC. The public gets to see both your joys and your grief played out right in front of their eyes: “My life, your entertainment./ My sorrow, your amusement./ Laugh at my pain and anguish./ So famous I could lose it." Usher guest appears.
Paper Trail isn’t a musical doctrine filled only with harrowing experiences, however. What would a King be without celebratory anthems… especially the King of the South, who has always served anthems for the clubs and streets in addition to mindful fodder in his body of work.
Without exaggeration, "Swagger Like Us (S.L.U.)" is an historic moment not just for T.I., but for all of hip-hop. The song is a lyrical collage of metaphors, braggadocio and style painted by the foursome many have nicknamed "Rap's Olympic Dream Team": Tip, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and the record's producer Kanye West. Each MC not only displays his distinctive cool, but each ferociously attacks the M.I.A. sampled soundscape with brash wordplay showing why they all tower over rap's most elite.
“This record is nothing short of monumental,” T.I. promises. “Everyone who participated has had A-status credentials for years. It’s always great when you can work with friends of yours who you socialize with outside of music. But what’s greater is when all of those parties can come together to bring forth a classic caliber collaboration.”
"Live Your Life" pairs T.I.'s distinguished insight and smooth-as-a-silk-Louis Vuitton pocket square-delivery with bold, but sweet harmonies of fellow Grammy Award winner Rihanna.
The roster of producers on the album includes Swizz Beatz, DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy, Danja, Just Blaze, and Justin Timberlake, among others. T.I. recorded over 70 songs for the album before narrowing it down to the final cream of the crop. “When I make LPs, I get into such a focus; you have to drag me out of the studio sometimes. This is my passion.”
Tip’s second professional love, as a film actor, has just taken a major step forward. He has signed a three-picture deal with Screen Gems, which will see him both acting in and producing movies. One of the projects, Bone Deep, is a heist thriller.
“Obviously that type of deal is monumental for me and my company,” the Bankhead, GA native enthuses. “I’m learning my craft as a thespian, and I know I have so much to offer on both sides of the camera. It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to fulfill my goals in Hollywood. This is the first of many big steps for me.”
Music and movies are just the tip of T.I.’s entertainment conglomerate. He’s also expanding into comedy tours, the night club and restaurant scene, management, record producing, and fashion.
“I wake up every morning feeling in my heart that my greatest accomplishments are ahead of me,” he says. “It’s the excitement that is sustained by coming up with your goals, realizing them, and then coming up with new ones.”
Earlier this year, Tip found success in cyberspace, launching a social networking website called www.streetcred.com. As 2008 progresses, T.I. continues to lend his powerful voice towards the betterment of communities across the entire country. He recently aligned himself with the Hip-Hop Caucus, an organization dedicated towards promoting voter registration and telling youth the importance of going to the polls. The initiative targets adults between the ages of 18-29 and utilizes grassroots organizing tactics to get them to use their votes in the upcoming Presidential election.
Tip's clothing line Akoo designed the "Respect My Vote" tee-shirts that are being promoted in conjunction with the “Get Out and Vote” campaign. Akoo's hard launch happens this fall, with the apparel garnering placements in major retailers across the country. Akoo’s pieces – which range from shirts to jeans – reflect Tip’s diverse and lauded fashion flair.
Since 2001, T.I. has grown to become one of the most revered and successful artists in his genre, racking up millions in album sales and a myriad of awards, among them two Grammys. In July of 2007, his conceptual masterpiece, T.I. vs T.I.P., debuted at the top of the Billboard charts, selling nearly 500,000 units in its first week of release, on its way to RIAA platinum certification. T.I. vs T.I.P. featured guest appearances from Jay-Z, Eminem, and Wyclef Jean. The album birthed the smash single, "Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)," which was also featured in an ESPN ad campaign.
In 2006, T.I. – known in Hollywood as Clifford "Tip" Harris – made his critically acclaimed star turn as the leading actor in the coming of age film, ATL. He followed up that role by acting alongside Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Ruby Dee in the blockbuster drama, American Gangster. In 2009, Harris will be tackling television with an inspirational reality show airing on MTV. The yet-to-be-titled show will center on his life on probation in the year leading up to his impending year-long jail sentence.
But first up, it’s Paper Trail, the latest chapter in the extraordinary story of T.I.
“I’m not doing too much pre-hype on the album,” Tip says of his new project. “I just want everyone to know that it’s coming out, and that I’m going to answer a lot of questions in the music. It’s intense and insightful; it’s gonna shake up the game and it’s me at my best.”
Paper Trail’s title is a direct reference to T.I.’s return to literally writing down his lyrics – a practice he hasn’t engaged in since his debut, I’m Serious, in 2001. Ironically, he found that going back to the basics has helped him evolve into a better MC.
“I’ve had phenomenal success on my previous albums by just going into the booth, letting the music flow through me, and being spontaneous with it. This time I wanted to try something different. My writing is a little more structured and thought out, but it’s still art at the end of the day. It’s still free-flowing.”
The new album’s official lead single is the #1 smash “Whatever You Like,” a glamorous glance into what it would be like to receive the royal treatment by the King of the South. Produced by acclaimed hitmaker Jim Jonsin, the seductive jubilation takes us to a place where the only thing more abundant than the King of the South’s endless cash flow, is his limitless flow of rhyme and melody.
"In so many of my records that I've crafted that address women, the ladies have catered to me in those songs,” Tip says. “In this particular record, I wanted to show my appreciation and reverse the roles a little. I tell the females don't worry; the sky's the limit. No desire is too great. Live your fantasy."
Paper Trail’s first street tease, “No Matter What,” is the definitive declaration of T.I.’s stance as a man undeterred and an artist unrivaled, as well as a testament to how his faith in a higher power helped him get through a very public period of turbulence in his life.
“Somehow I rise above my problems and remain here,” the hip-hop veteran raps. “Yeah, and I hope the picture painted clear./ If your heart’s filled with faith then you can’t fear./ Wonder how I face years and I'm still chillin’./ Easy, let go and let God deal with it.”
In November of 2007, T.I. was arrested on firearms possession charges. Subsequently, he was placed under house arrest for almost seven months. Earlier this year, Tip pleaded guilty and he faces jail next year. He has also been ordered to serve over 1,500 hours of community service.
“Obviously that was one of the worst mistakes of my entire life, but I will not let that mistake characterize my existence or my contribution to society,” says T.I. “I cannot go back and change the past, but I can learn from it, and teach others how a poor assessment of a situation can not only affect you drastically but also impact the ones you love. It’s something that I still have to deal with.”
There will never be a quandary too large to make T.I. give up hope. The King of the South has made the pledge to himself, his family, and his fans to always hold his head high and persevere through any predicament -- whether it be persecution, prosecution, or the loss of loved ones.
Another emotive moment on Paper Trail is “My Life, Your Entertainment.” The King talks about some of the consequences of being a high-profile celebrity and candidly speaking MC. The public gets to see both your joys and your grief played out right in front of their eyes: “My life, your entertainment./ My sorrow, your amusement./ Laugh at my pain and anguish./ So famous I could lose it." Usher guest appears.
Paper Trail isn’t a musical doctrine filled only with harrowing experiences, however. What would a King be without celebratory anthems… especially the King of the South, who has always served anthems for the clubs and streets in addition to mindful fodder in his body of work.
Without exaggeration, "Swagger Like Us (S.L.U.)" is an historic moment not just for T.I., but for all of hip-hop. The song is a lyrical collage of metaphors, braggadocio and style painted by the foursome many have nicknamed "Rap's Olympic Dream Team": Tip, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and the record's producer Kanye West. Each MC not only displays his distinctive cool, but each ferociously attacks the M.I.A. sampled soundscape with brash wordplay showing why they all tower over rap's most elite.
“This record is nothing short of monumental,” T.I. promises. “Everyone who participated has had A-status credentials for years. It’s always great when you can work with friends of yours who you socialize with outside of music. But what’s greater is when all of those parties can come together to bring forth a classic caliber collaboration.”
"Live Your Life" pairs T.I.'s distinguished insight and smooth-as-a-silk-Louis Vuitton pocket square-delivery with bold, but sweet harmonies of fellow Grammy Award winner Rihanna.
The roster of producers on the album includes Swizz Beatz, DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy, Danja, Just Blaze, and Justin Timberlake, among others. T.I. recorded over 70 songs for the album before narrowing it down to the final cream of the crop. “When I make LPs, I get into such a focus; you have to drag me out of the studio sometimes. This is my passion.”
Tip’s second professional love, as a film actor, has just taken a major step forward. He has signed a three-picture deal with Screen Gems, which will see him both acting in and producing movies. One of the projects, Bone Deep, is a heist thriller.
“Obviously that type of deal is monumental for me and my company,” the Bankhead, GA native enthuses. “I’m learning my craft as a thespian, and I know I have so much to offer on both sides of the camera. It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to fulfill my goals in Hollywood. This is the first of many big steps for me.”
Music and movies are just the tip of T.I.’s entertainment conglomerate. He’s also expanding into comedy tours, the night club and restaurant scene, management, record producing, and fashion.
“I wake up every morning feeling in my heart that my greatest accomplishments are ahead of me,” he says. “It’s the excitement that is sustained by coming up with your goals, realizing them, and then coming up with new ones.”
Earlier this year, Tip found success in cyberspace, launching a social networking website called www.streetcred.com. As 2008 progresses, T.I. continues to lend his powerful voice towards the betterment of communities across the entire country. He recently aligned himself with the Hip-Hop Caucus, an organization dedicated towards promoting voter registration and telling youth the importance of going to the polls. The initiative targets adults between the ages of 18-29 and utilizes grassroots organizing tactics to get them to use their votes in the upcoming Presidential election.
Tip's clothing line Akoo designed the "Respect My Vote" tee-shirts that are being promoted in conjunction with the “Get Out and Vote” campaign. Akoo's hard launch happens this fall, with the apparel garnering placements in major retailers across the country. Akoo’s pieces – which range from shirts to jeans – reflect Tip’s diverse and lauded fashion flair.
Since 2001, T.I. has grown to become one of the most revered and successful artists in his genre, racking up millions in album sales and a myriad of awards, among them two Grammys. In July of 2007, his conceptual masterpiece, T.I. vs T.I.P., debuted at the top of the Billboard charts, selling nearly 500,000 units in its first week of release, on its way to RIAA platinum certification. T.I. vs T.I.P. featured guest appearances from Jay-Z, Eminem, and Wyclef Jean. The album birthed the smash single, "Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)," which was also featured in an ESPN ad campaign.
In 2006, T.I. – known in Hollywood as Clifford "Tip" Harris – made his critically acclaimed star turn as the leading actor in the coming of age film, ATL. He followed up that role by acting alongside Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Ruby Dee in the blockbuster drama, American Gangster. In 2009, Harris will be tackling television with an inspirational reality show airing on MTV. The yet-to-be-titled show will center on his life on probation in the year leading up to his impending year-long jail sentence.
But first up, it’s Paper Trail, the latest chapter in the extraordinary story of T.I.
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34 Comments
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Comment by daniel lyttle on August 28, 2008 at 5:06pm - man i want to be just like you but my problem is that i have no one to give me a chance
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Comment by daniel lyttle on August 28, 2008 at 5:07pm
- i am writing many songs on other riddims but i just need personal riddims
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Comment by Darius Marsh on August 28, 2008 at 11:01pm - i gaurantee brah, if u listen 2 my music u will be impressed. check out my music page on myspace, im the next best thing man. get at me.
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Comment by Ladies Get At Me! (Single) on August 28, 2008 at 11:46pm - t.i.p bankhead westside all day
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Comment by Sexi~Ladi on August 29, 2008 at 1:10am - I LOVE YOU T.I.!!!!!!! CAN'T WAIT FOR THE ALBUM!!!!!!
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Comment by Shauna on August 29, 2008 at 1:52am -
YEA ERRBODii KNO MY HUBBY "~*~T.I.~*~" B DA KiNG OF DA SOUTH
A_TOWN WESTSiDE
YEA HE CAN HAVE WHATEVA HE LiKE CAUSE HE A KiNG
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Comment by ladii C on August 29, 2008 at 12:21pm -
I LOVE THE SITE ITS HOT!!
THE WHOLE CONCEPT
YOU NEVER LET ME DOWN/ KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK!!
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Comment by Ashley Walker-Harris on August 29, 2008 at 4:06pm -
this is Ashley
i love you so much i am your biggest fan and support you on everything you do i was so excited when i met you wednesday at harper high school i was one of the dancers that performed and opened up for you and you gave me a hug and signed my cd cover and i was really inspired and motivated by your speech and im sure im not the only one you are a very smart person you are also very hardworking you are also one of the few celeberties that looks da same on and off camera but keep your head up and continue to do wat need to be done
love your biggest fan---ASHLEY {{MZ_TIP_HARRIS}}
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Comment by mzprettygangsta86 on August 29, 2008 at 4:12pm - luv u boo-boo, anticipatin da new album greatly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Comment by Marissa on August 29, 2008 at 4:17pm - T.I you don't understand the role you play in the black society. To know that we have a strong man like you representing us.. I'm proud. Love you keep doing you cause your so encouraging me to do me.. Thanks for the motivation..
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Comment by lorena Saucedo-Rodriguez on August 29, 2008 at 10:09pm - Even though you made your mistakes, I love that you tryin to do right. And congratulations, papertrail aint even out yet n its already a success.
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Comment by tino on August 29, 2008 at 10:59pm -
Hi..tip
man i cant tell u how much i am so proud aboud u ..all dat works we done so far ...das is amazing.. it show dat ..dat king aint dead,dat king aint gone ,dat king dont quit..man.. again bro i am a big fan of you ,listen to u everywhere...i get ur name ,grand hustlle name on my neckless lik th one who wear for ur patner(R.I.P)..bro no matter what we ur fans stand on ur back to says fuck haters.... keep it pimpim partner....am learning ur new dance also bro...
we dont gave up man...
stockbridge fan
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Comment by Ms. Krystal on August 30, 2008 at 12:07am -
Hi T.I.
My name is Krystal and i love anything about u your songs, your albums T.I. vs. T.I.P. one of my favorite cd ( Aint never been a sucker i been a gangsta my whole life.) KING my second favorite cd ( I look anybody in the eye who said they won't with me.) I love the way u dress i love your glasses man thats wat up. man i have mad love for u every change i get i go to the store just to get a shirt made with a sentence for one of your songs.( you can get wat ever u what) i argue with this lame ass niggas at NIU for saying lil wayne is better than u . one thing everyone in the industry can say about u is that u not going to take no shit for anyone.
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Comment by alBa on August 30, 2008 at 6:33am - T.I. you are so sweet , I'm a albanian girl , can I have your email please You are the king by RnB music .
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Comment by Beverly on August 30, 2008 at 11:53am - Hello T.I., my name is Beverly I am 15 years old (finally I am going to have them on September 23rd!!!) I live in Paris and I like your music!!! Really you sing too well and your last album is brilliant I liked!!! As soon as one of your albums fate(spell) I run go to buy it and I listen to it at once!!! Really I like what you make!!! You are ever dressed well and your glasses are too much classes!!! Your attractive small family and your boys are too much pussy!! I hope you answer me !!!
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Comment by meka on August 30, 2008 at 5:01pm - hey my name is ameka n am ur biggest fan i love every thing u do n i would love to meet u sumday {yeah i wish i could } u da best rapper alive lil wayne cant touch u u dat best i hope to c more of u keep doin wat u doin cuz meka like ..........love ameka aka T.I's wifey lol
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Comment by wHAT eVER yOU LiKe on August 30, 2008 at 8:26pm - Hey T.I I will never forget the day you came to england for the 1st screening of your movie ATL that is a memory that i will never forget. I just wanna say that i have always been a big fan of your music and i wanna know when you coming back to England, you may not know this but there is alot of love and respect for you there. Hope you get to come soon. I'll be waiting. Continue to do what you do, much respect.
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Comment by Uncle Bobby B on August 30, 2008 at 11:06pm - T.I you keep doin wat u doin cuz wat u doin iz great much respect
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Comment by LADYTiiP08 on August 31, 2008 at 1:11pm - ii♥U S0000oooooo000 MUCH W0RDS CANT EVEN EXPLAIN iiT...
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Comment by Kailynn on August 31, 2008 at 1:29pm - Yo wuz gud?? Diz ya gurl kailynn. Anticipatin da Paper Trail lyke crazii n imma get it soon az it comez out. Juz wanted ta holla atcha, letcha know you izz a major inspiration im ma life. You definately da realest.....Point. Blank. Period.....no questions asked. Im hopin i can get out dere n cya do yo thang sumtime. Dat would be da shyt fo realz....well newayz imma bounce fo now. Keep doin yo thang, cuz caint no one do it lyk u do partna.....keep it real.....PEACE
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