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T.I. Talks Going to Jail, Previews Tracks From New Album

5/5/08, 3:39 pm EST

T.I., who was on house arrest while awaiting sentencing for felony gun charges, is finally out and about. “In some ways, I miss the house,” he said last week when he stopped by the Rolling Stone office in New York. In between speaking engagements at schools to fulfill his 1,000 hours of court-ordered community service, Tip played some cuts from his forthcoming album Paper Trail. The defiant, gospel-flecked street single “No Matter What” leaked last week, but Tip says the real single, the Danja-produced “What’s Up, What’s Happening” will be out in a couple weeks. It’s a bass-heavy club track full of shout-outs to haters who thought the MC’s legal troubles would sideline him. On “Collect Call,” he raps about all the fair-weather friends who disappear when things get hot over an R&B groove. “Let My Beat Pound” is a bass-heavy trunk-rattler produced by J.R. Rotem with a robotozed hook that’s meant to intimidate others on the road: “My trunk sounds like a midget trying to get up out of there,” he drawls. “You Ain’t Missing Nothing” is a dubious message to those in prison: With jazzy, soul sample, Tip promises “The time will do itself, all you gotta do is show up.” On “Sitting on Top of the World,” which features a hook by B.O.B., the MC reflects on his path to rap fame. And on “I’m Illin” he claims to be “the hottest nigga since Tupac.” Of course, after promoting the album, which comes out August 12, Tip will still have to serve a year in jail. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” he says. “But I’ve got a lot of water.”

[Photo: Getty]

Evan Serpick

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Comments

FLIP FAN | 5/5/2008, 5:30 pm EST

EVEN THOUGH HE IS A GOOD RAPPER HE WILL PROBALY BE DONE AFTER HE IS RELEASED…THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RAPPER BESDIES TUPAC THAT HAS MADE A COMEBACK AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL…HE AINT GOT NO SUGE BEHIND HIM SORRY!!!!!!!

SwagZilla | 5/5/2008, 7:03 pm EST

Fuck U Flip Fan, u dont want dude to come back.

no big deal | 5/5/2008, 10:51 pm EST

TI releasing a new album and going to jail. I’m sure this record will sell like SHyne’s did. Oh wait, who’s shyne again? I don’t remember. And TI is not Pac. I love how these rappers try to dethrone pac as the best rapper of all time and try to compare themselves to pac. THere was and will only be one Tupac Shakur. They can be fans but all these guys do is rap about girls, money, and how great they are when they lack enough talent to boast. Tupac boasted about girls, money, and his fame but he had a) the talent to back it up
and b) aside from those songs, he discussed real issues (ie Brenda’s Got A Baby, Keep YOur HEad up, Dear Mama, etc etc). The current trend in hop hop is just to repeat the same old formula of girls, cash, jewelry, rims, and self boasting. They’re is no emphasis on talent only club singles and getting together with the hottest producers. TI is all “hood” but he’s not real enough to address other emotions or social and cultural problems in this country. They’re all posers-overpaid, undertalented.

whachu talkin bout | 5/5/2008, 11:10 pm EST

TI is the rubber band man. He’ll bounce back from this.

Common | 5/5/2008, 11:19 pm EST

It’s not like TI had a career to begin with. Who cares if he’s got a new cd? It’ll probably sell on hype but after that no one will even remember this guy and if they do they won’t care anymore because they’ll have some other rapper to idolize.

YOU Haters dont know shit | 5/5/2008, 11:36 pm EST

T.I. is not TRYING to be 2pac.Hes being T.I. Its you idiots that assume stuff like that and start rumors…T.I. is trying to live and make money like ALL of us. That is a FACT. Doesnt matter if you think he is a good rapper or not that just your opinion…and no one really gives a shit about opinions. Make some millions then talk your shit! You dumbfucks that are hating are either white and think cause you know GENERIC rap that you are some GURU or you just a hatin ass nigga. Haters… what you DONT know is that rappers wanna say positive stuff but the industry would rather them be commercial to make money…shit is not how it used to be…Talkin about 2pac like thats the only other rapper thats been in jail. Damn “no big deal” I hear your message but you got bad examples and a shitty delivery when it comes to getting your point across…

BaltimoreJoe88 | 5/6/2008, 5:07 am EST

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RAPPER BESDIES TUPAC THAT HAS MADE A COMEBACK AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM JAIL…

^SMH, uh T.I went to jail after “trap muzik” came out, after he was released he dropped “Urban legend” “King” & T.I vs T.I.P all platinum albums, so what are you talking about? SMH, there still flip fans out there?

Hazeboy | 5/6/2008, 10:32 am EST

TI speaks the truth when others dudes bein lyn to get there ratings up tip dnt give a fuck bout ratins even uf this dude wasnt famous he still be grindin spittin the truth….its the king bitch

WTF | 5/6/2008, 12:01 pm EST

To “Flip Fan” T.I. Droped Urban Legend After He Was Locked Up And That Sold Like Crack In The 80’s….And Erone like “no big deal” Needs to Get Off Pac’s Nuts, Cuz T.I. Is A Pac Of The Present Era. Yall May Think He Aint As Good But Its Just Like comparin MJ And Kobe…STOP hattin on T.I.P for being the best

Chase | 5/6/2008, 12:12 pm EST

No Big Deal… Obviously, you are not a real TI fan and have not listened to his music thoroughly. TI cannot speak on the same issues that TuPac spoke on because he did not have the same experiences as Pac. Pac was the son of a Panther, who grew up in Oakland, the base of the Panthers, so his education and experiences lead him to speak on issues that others see to be important. TIP gew up in the “A” and hustled on the block, or the trap or whatever he calls it. And he speaks to and for the people that are caught in that struggle and can relate. It may not always be the best message when he’s reminiscing about his days in the trap, but when he’s giving guidance and reassuarance about the ways to get out, trust me, those who are in the position hear him and those that got out of that position understand him.

You can’t want to say that he’s nothing like Pac and then say that because he doesn’t talk about the things that Pac talked about he’s wack in the same sentence. Only Pac can be Pac and talk about the things that Pac has been through. TIP is just showing us life from his side of the fence.

Nia | 5/6/2008, 1:31 pm EST

T.I. ain’t never done. Do you see how his new single is heating up the whole internet. Haters kill me….as a matter of fact…KILL YOSELF. TIP has nothing but the utmost respect for Pac. TIP went to jail and came out bigger than ever and his fan base wasn’t half the size that it is now. “If” he does end up having to serve that year he’s going to come back better than ever. Can’t compare TIP, he’s on his own level.

Many thanks to you haters though….its much appreciated.

JailBate | 5/6/2008, 2:38 pm EST

this guy is a tool.

sam | 5/6/2008, 3:26 pm EST

FUK YA’LL WHO GOT RUCKS WID T.I HE CAME OUTA JAIL A BIGGER MAN , HE HAS NUFF RESPECCT 4 PAC YA’LL JUST FUKD IN YO HEAD , THE NET IS FUKD UP BRE PEOPLE TWIST EVERYTING GET 2 NOE B4 U SAY SUMTIN ! T.I. IS THE GREATEST NO MATTER WTF YA’LL SAY !

jay | 5/6/2008, 5:11 pm EST

damn i can’t wait to cop this album i hope it comes out in august.fucc the haters!

HeMan | 5/6/2008, 6:01 pm EST

t.i. speaks the truth about s*%t. not made up stuff that sound good and rhythms. Thats why people listen and buy his music cause we all can relate in someway or another about what he’s taking about and that’s REAL HOMIE…

fgdfdhfghf | 5/6/2008, 6:29 pm EST

he ok raper

fgdfdhfghf | 5/6/2008, 6:29 pm EST

he ok raper

connectlikedots | 5/6/2008, 7:00 pm EST

ya, i agree wit “u haters dont know shit” there is no knew tupac, tupac is tupac. t.i. is t.i. and a damn good rapper i might add at that. and lil flip is the over idolized rapper that no one will speak of in 20 years. even now tupac is the shit and in 2028 t.i. will still be the shit.

spell check | 5/6/2008, 10:19 pm EST

Re: Sam

“HE HAS NUFF RESPECCT 4 PAC YA’LL JUST FUKD IN YO HEAD , THE NET IS FUKD UP BRE PEOPLE TWIST EVERYTING GET 2 NOE B4 U SAY SUMTIN”

Who taught you how about grammar and how to spell. You sound illiterate, man.

haters know | 5/6/2008, 10:23 pm EST

Re:YOU Haters dont know shit

“and no one really gives a shit about opinions. Make some millions then talk your shit!”

Are you a millonare? Didn’t think so. THerefore by your logic, no on really gives a shit about YOUR opinions!!!

its fine | 5/7/2008, 6:28 pm EST

let the haters go listen to their david banner and lil wayne bullshit while tip fans can enjoy true hip hop. long live da king. two hottest albums of the year in the same month, tip and jeezy, its gonna be a cold winter in da south!!!

why | 5/7/2008, 7:00 pm EST

Flip Fan, where is flip now??
and as far as Pac goes and jail. T.I. went to jail and released urban legend, for all those who got on board then. T.I. is one of the few hip hop artist that will have longevity. You have Jay-Z, Snoop who been doing it and TI been around since 2001 with Im serious. Im seriously telling you lames to stop hating on the KING!!!

Tha Righteous One | 5/9/2008, 1:40 am EST

Ok. now all you “T.I.” haters made me mad! ooooh I Hate you stupid bitches, straight up you t.i. haters sum bitches for real!T.I. is tha king, hands down muthafuckers! I got nothing to change yo muthafuckin minds bout t.i., but I just wanted to let all of you what the fuck you really are! I know what you t.i. haters are thinking “I aint a bitch!”, shut the fuck up you stupid muthafuckers I dont give a muthafuck what the fuck you think or say, because i still know all of you are bitches! Damn muthafuckers!Just shut the fuck up!Tell every T.I. hater I said that!

Dre Bloodz | 5/9/2008, 10:03 am EST

T.I. is the king of the South Hands down.The album is going to be crazy.What You Know,Big Thangs Poppin.Come on Everybody knows that when rappers have a problem they usually sell more.T.I. is Going to sell reguardless.The true King Fuck Wayne.

young SUITLAND | 5/15/2008, 6:28 pm EST

T.I. Is an excellent artist. That is what makes him sell millions. Relevance and crowd pleading music.

H-TOWN'S CHINA | 5/20/2008, 4:22 pm EST

FIRST OF ALL..MAY GOD BLESS T.I. AND HIS FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.WE ALL KNOW LIFE IS ABOUT “CHOICES”,SO IF YOU MAKE THE WRONG “CHOICE” BE PREPARED TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES. T.I. IS A “MAN” FIRST, A “MAN” THAT HAPPENS TO BE THE “BEST RAPPER ALIVE” THERE’S NO JAIL THAT CAN CONTAIN T.I. AND HIS AMAZING TALENT! TO ALL THE HATERS: “I’M SERIOUS”, THIS “TRAP MUZIC” MADE T.I. AN “URBAN LEGEND”, “THE KING”, NO MATTER IF IT’S “T.I. V.S. T.I.P.” HE WILL STILL LEAVE A “PAPER TRAIL” OF $$$ FOR YOU HATERS TO ENVY!! IF YOU A REAL T.I OR T.I.P. FAN PLEASE…”STAND UP!!” LOVE U 4 LIFE, YO BAD BITCH,”MS.CHINA”

Chris Blevins | 5/20/2008, 6:21 pm EST

While T.I. doesn’t get deep alot, he has proven that he can. And when he does, it’s great. My Life was too raw.

Fuck common | 5/23/2008, 3:08 pm EST

yo u dnt know wut da fuck u talktin bout so u betta check ya self he make n mre money then u will eva make so HOP DO FUCK OFF!!!!!!!!!!1

Moises | 5/27/2008, 10:19 pm EST

Fuck wut they say T.I. the rap game wouldnt be nuthin without him or Weezy. Heads up on No Matter what PT.2

Zoey | 6/6/2008, 10:38 pm EST

T.I. is the stuff he created the legacy of the south. All these other rappers that beefing need to stop hating on T.I. cause he is the King. The ish baby. I keep my pray with T.I. through this time may God Bless you. Keep ya head up.

p-town | 6/11/2008, 11:11 pm EST

tip king of the south pimp c said that shit on the king lb so fuck!!!!!!!!!!! shawty lo try and go gold be 4 u talk shit bitch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JTZ | 6/12/2008, 2:21 am EST

SPM yall don know sh#t bout it

BABI A.K.A MZ.CLIFFORD | 6/20/2008, 10:31 pm EST

i pray 4 ti.ppl need 2 stop hatting on hym.when he get out of jail hes gonna be better then every other rapper.the officer is bogus 4 doing dat shit.But dey say watch ur frinds before ur enemeys.Ti u need to do dat mo often and starting when u get out of jail or while u in dare.dats bogus how dey did u….lovu ti 4 eva..Im da biggest fan of ur’s……..I LUV TI SO DAMN MUCH

Maame | 6/26/2008, 4:17 pm EST

He really is iLLin n is tha hottest rapper after Tupac…

gahsaj | 8/20/2008, 5:03 pm EST

you all need to get a life, its not like you know t.i and rambling on at his “haterz” on a website aint going to contribute to anything relevant thats going on with him right now.
why do you ppl always have to argue .. jeezzz …

tupac | 8/30/2008, 6:30 pm EST

im alive

kiearra | 9/7/2008, 1:06 am EST

you and these people of the mets or were youll are from need to stop hating on the bankhead cuz that all wat it is about andthat is were it pops off at and then my baby shouldnt have been caught with no guns cuz look at wayne, the game, snoop, keezy they have the same thing and where co you see them at know were still in the real world but ever thing is going to cum to the light sooner or lata baby like 2 pac say you gotta keep yo head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!

V.G. | 9/12/2008, 7:40 pm EST

God see it all it could have be u (T.I.) I’ll hold u down!

V.G. | 9/12/2008, 7:40 pm EST

God see it all it could have be u (T.I.) I’ll hold u down!

tha greatest | 9/13/2008, 3:03 am EST

Now yall motherfuckers know he is the realist rapper since pac. I put 2pac, the T.I, and now I got my little hommie plies. They rap about real shit that you can related too. Like the struggle and hatin ass snitches. A guy like me can realate to all that shit. This MC is the truth!!!

CHEAH!! | 9/16/2008, 4:05 pm EST

Ti is good but he aint the best

Eminem is the BEST RAPPER ALIVE!!!! He will murder anybody
A-Z…Evryone on Jay-z dick and He killed Jay -Z on “Renegade”…When ppl talk about the best they never mention Em. i think ppl canr see past the whole white thing. Yall need to give him his props!!!

And oh yeah Flip is still the Freestyle King !!! DJ SCREW true KING OF DA SOUTH anything else said need to shut they damn mouth…. RIP PIMP C ,RIP HAWK

TIP FAN TILL DEATH | 9/23/2008, 9:45 pm EST

T.I IS MY FAVORITE RAPPER SINCE I HEARD IM SERIOUS BUT THE FACT THAT HE HAD THE GUNS FOR PROTECTION SHOULD LET HIM GO I MEAN ITS NOT LIKE HE WAS GOIN TO KILL ANYBODY. IF YOU GOT A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR LIFESTYLE YOU EXPECT SOMEONE WANTS TO TAKE U OUT. SO WOULD U RATHER TASTE SOME DIRT 6 FEET UNDER OR PROTECT YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR WELBEIN

Deeski | 9/24/2008, 12:57 pm EST

I think music is just entertainment. & some actors are better than others. t.i. is one of the best. he makes great music.

D | 9/27/2008, 1:58 pm EST

Hottest since tupac? Nahh.. i dont think so. First you have to talk about real shit, and be more poetic then rapping about cars, and women all the time..

mike | 10/1/2008, 10:47 am EST

2pac and eminem are history rappers and joining the is t.i. the newist one so lit him be as he say “KING”

CeDel | 10/10/2008, 4:47 pm EST

I’m sorry to say but Tip aint da greatest. He makes hits but in my opinion if u buy an artist album n u have to press da next track button even once, then that artist aint good. And in his case that’s been the last couple of albums. Lil wayne is the best rapper alive hands down. Tip n plies n luda n most otha rappers r startin to get annoying now. They need to up their game.

woody | 10/27/2008, 1:28 pm EST

t.i is straight but he aint the GREATEST

woody | 10/27/2008, 1:28 pm EST

t.i is straight but he aint the GREATEST

yung> starz | 10/28/2008, 3:27 pm EST

t.i is a legend just get to kno tht one yh all u fucked up haterz chat shit tht t.i aint real or shit wer r u in life init wen u make up to ten dollar u holla rite and shawty-lo aint got nothiin on i.t he got no betta tings to do dan diss ma boy tips T.I is fuckhiin BEST rapper since tyme KEEP REP SOUF 4 REAL love girl

lil s | 10/29/2008, 3:09 pm EST

Okay yall i have nothing to say than wat tip says in his new album paper trail in the song my life, some move away to make away, not move away cuz they afraid he goes back to the hood and yall haterz do is hate away

lil s | 10/29/2008, 3:17 pm EST

if u really think about it the “Cheah” maybe they don’t talk about Eminem because his been in and out of the rapping game.

martha | 10/31/2008, 5:28 am EST

this guy is the best rapper and he really deserves to be the king .i mean he got the style.i luv you the grand hustle

The Realist | 11/4/2008, 3:19 pm EST

T.I. might not be the greatest rapper alive…yet, but he could change all that after his house arrest n his year in jail, and plus while hes locked up he will make more than 5o tracks. T.I. is the king of the south better know that fo show, no other rappers could do it like t.i.p. 2pac he was ok but its a new year n better improvement in music history, 2pacs music is so 90’s, let the new 2008 year show was good. probadly by 2009 t.i. will have atleast 3 albums ready to be sold world wide, but for now let it b how it is, t.i.p. true king n only king, keppin it good patna.

PEANUt | 11/10/2008, 1:48 pm EST

FiRSt Of All oH-EM-gEE HE iS SO SO SO SO SEXy! &+ i lUV AlMOSt EVERy SiNGlE ONE Of hiS SONGs.hE iS dA bESt RAppER bESidEs lil WAyNE! i ♥ yU T.I!!!

gabby | 11/19/2008, 9:04 pm EST

let me tell u t.i. is tha real king of tha south and fuck u all haters.

LiLMAMAz | 11/20/2008, 12:41 pm EST

i L0Ve Ti AND ALLz HiSz S0NGSz…HE iSz THE SEXiiEST CREATURE 0N EARTH! =]]
580 380 8933

BABY GIRL ;) | 11/21/2008, 5:35 pm EST

I LOVE TI HE IS SO CUTE I LLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVEE EEEEEEEE TI I WISH HE WAS MY BOYFRIEND!!!! I COULD HAVE ALL OF THE $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

amira | 12/1/2008, 10:39 am EST