T.I. speaks on New Style and Atlanta hip hop
T.I. Returns to His Roots with a Mission
In a powerful reintroduction to the music world, Grammy-winning rapper T.I. is back—and he’s making it clear that this time, he’s staying true to himself. Fresh out of federal custody, Tip is turning the page on the “Paper Trail” era and returning to the raw, authentic energy that made him a southern rap icon in the early 2000s.
While the polished persona of Paper Trail may have earned him crossover acclaim, it alienated many of his day-one fans. Now, he has the release of his single “I’m Flexin'” and a renewed sense of purpose. So, T.I. is prepared to reclaim his place—on his own terms.
Yesterday, T.I. sat down with V-103 in his hometown of Atlanta to discuss his next moves.
The Downfall of the “Sophisticated” Sound
By 2008, T.I. had reached the peak of his commercial power. Paper Trail launched hit singles and crossed boundaries. But with that growth came a departure from the gritty realism that defined Trap Muzik and Urban Legend.
“I was so focused and caught up in being a role model,” Tip explains during his first post-prison interview on Atlanta’s V-103, “that I got away from what I do best—Bankhead.”
Fans noticed. Although Paper Trail brought mainstream attention, it also distanced him from the community that supported him from the start. Then came legal trouble. T.I. served two prison stints that nearly derailed his career, and when he rushed out No Mercy in 2010 before returning behind bars, the response was tepid at best.
T.I.’s Loyalty to Bankhead and His Core Fans
Now a free man again, Tip is wasting no time reclaiming his identity. “The ones that really stayed down with me were them Bankhead natives,” he says. “So I feel like I’m going to stay down with who stayed down with me.”
He’s more than just talking. T.I. is actively reconnecting with the streets, both musically and physically, making sure his music reflects the life and culture of those who helped elevate him. “I can still be in the trap without trapping,” he says. “The trap is the neighborhood I grew up in. Every time I see my granddaddy, I’m in there.”
A Comeback Fueled by Authenticity and Passion
In his return, T.I. isn’t looking for sympathy—he’s aiming for clarity. “I don’t owe anybody any explanations. I owe it to myself, my family, and the people who supported me during my darkest hours.” It’s this unapologetic stance that’s fueling his comeback.
He’s also making a point to stay more hands-on, embracing social media to connect directly with fans. “I tweeted for the first time yesterday,” he said with a grin, acknowledging the million-plus followers waiting on his every word. “I’ll be more active online this time around, not a full-time tweeter, but you’ll hear from me.”
T.I. Speaks on Atlanta’s Place in Hip Hop
One of Tip’s biggest concerns post-release is the state of Atlanta’s representation in mainstream hip hop. During his time away, he says he didn’t see Atlanta holding the spotlight the way it should.
“I didn’t see much Atlanta lately—and I had a problem with that,” he admits. “I’m putting the city on my shoulders. Anybody repping this town, trying to get out—get at me. We need to get back on top.”
In T.I.’s eyes, Atlanta remains the mecca of hip hop, but its dominance needs to be reasserted. “It’s too heavy a load for just Drake, Wayne, and Ross to carry the whole culture. Atlanta has to step up, and I’m going to lead that charge.”
New Music, New Show, Same Tip
Backing up his promises, Tip dropped the high-energy single “I’m Flexin’,” produced by Big K.R.I.T., which marks a clear return to his roots. “I went back to foundational T.I.—I’m Serious, Trap Muzik—and there’s more where that came from.”
But music isn’t his only play. Tip is also working on a documentary series—not a “reality show,” as he quickly clarifies—that captures his dual life as a rap superstar and a family man. “It’s about balance—between the T.I. on stage and the father, the husband, the son at home,” he explains.
Fans will also get to see a different side of Tip through his novel Power and Beauty, a fictional story co-authored with David Ritz about two young people growing up on Atlanta’s west side. While not autobiographical, it draws from his personal experiences to paint a compelling, authentic narrative.
The Rise of the OMG Girlz and Family Legacy
While Tip was away, his family continued to thrive. The OMG Girlz—formed by his wife Tiny and daughter Zonnique—began making major moves in the music world. “They got jamming music,” Tip said proudly. “Even as an executive, I got to recognize talent when I see it.”
T.I. is supporting their rise the same way he hopes fans support his return. “They deserve it,” he says. “They’ve worked hard.”
His dedication to his family is central to his message. As a father of six, Tip is preparing each of his kids for independence, instilling values of hard work and self-reliance. “At a certain point, you got to stop spending Daddy’s money,” he told his sons.
T.I. Aims to Rebuild His Legacy His Way
While public perception has been a challenge, T.I. isn’t allowing it to define him. “Mistakes I made shouldn’t overshadow the good I do,” he says firmly. “There are people with clean records who are terrible role models. I’ve made bad decisions—but my heart’s pure, and I’ve done real work in the community.”
It’s a powerful point—one rooted in both humility and defiance. Tip refuses to let others define his value. “If not me, then who?” he asks. “Who’s been out there doing the work? Who has the influence and the story that these kids will listen to?”
With renewed vision, a loyal fan base, and a chip on his shoulder, T.I. is officially back. “Y’all gotta let me live,” he says. “I can’t live like everybody else. This is my life, and I’m going to live it—my way.”