In a new interview with the Washington Post, T.I. spoke on his current presence in the rap game...

“I’m going to always rise above the doubt that may exist about me. I have a core audience of fans that are going to buy (my albums) whether I have a single out. I ain’t got to have a video out. ... When you hear my name and an album, it’s going to be the complete body of work. It’s going to be above standard.

“There’s a difference between being hot for the moment, and being huge,” he said. “Whether I’m hot or not, I’m still huge in a lot of different areas. ... It’s certain things I’ll do that (other rappers) will never be able to do. I’m aware of that, and I believe they are, too. It’s just sometimes people get caught up with what’s hot.”

In regards to the upcoming album Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head, Tip mentioned:

“I have to give them the new me,” he said. “I just have to show that I remember the methods, the practices of the old me. It’s like a guy who you know that has lived a certain lifestyle and you know he’s validated to speak on it.”