T.I. opens up about creating some of his greatest hits, leaving his DNA on tracks, working with Rihanna and Justin Timberlake and more for Hip-Hop Through the Charts at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy.
T.I.:
This journey has taught me so much about how to respect your art and remain true to the essence of who you are, you know what I mean?
Dawton Thomas:
My man, Tip, back in the building!
T.I.:
What’s happening, king?
Dawton Thomas:
Good to see you, family.
T.I.:
Always a pleasure!
Dawton Thomas:
So before we start into the tracks and everything and the accolades, how does it feel to have over 20 years of dope hip-hop success?
T.I.:
Man, it feels like a lot of work. You know, what I’m saying? A lot of hard work that paid off. You know what I mean? I’m the proudest of the music that we made then, you know? It inspired so much to happen that has evolved to still be relevant now.
Dawton Thomas:
That’s real, man. Three No. 1 albums, nine top 10s, four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits. We’re gonna get into some of these joints now.
T.I.:
OK!
Dawton Thomas:
“Bring Em Out” peaked at No. 9.
T.I.:
Wow. I met Swizz in the room and remember it was me, him, Craig Kallman, and at first I heard it had Jay [Jay-Z] on there, and when I first heard it the first thing I said, “Hey, do Jay-Z know you’re playing this for me, man? Did he say … did he approve this, bro? I don’t just want to put his voice on my record and not have him OK it.”
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