SOHH Squad
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. has finally stepped up to address rumors and speculation which claim he is in the midst of a multi-million dollar bidding war involving record labels like Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
Happy at Atlantic Records, the “King of the South” said he has no interest in feeding into the media hype and speculation over his future label status.
“[laughs] Hey look man I see all that sh*t man…I respect my present partners at Atlantic records and had there ever been a separation between them and myself I would respect my new partners in such a way that I’m not gonna sensationalize anything. They give me my fair market value for what it is I have to offer. And if you want to be in business with me let’s give each other %110. But just going out and doing gossip type stories that ain’t a huge part of what I do. [Would I like to stay at Atlantic Records?] Ay man, I’d love to stay where I am. It’d have to be shown that the feeling is mutual and the way you do that is on paper with commitment to dollars.” (The Urban Daily)
Earlier this month, Tip got attached to $75 million bidding war chatter.
Got $75 million handy? If so, you can sign T.I. to your label … the hip hop star just became the number-one free agent in rap — and despite the steep price tag he’s putting out … some deep pockets are already lining up. Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ … T.I.’s 10-year contract with Atlantic ran up only a month ago … but he’s already put together his own idea of a $75 million deal: – 3 albums – 10-20 percent of publishing, touring, merchandise, film and TV rights – Corporate endorsement deals – Exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists. (TMZ)
There is reportedly $50 million waiting for Tip along with interest from Dr. Dre and Jay-Z on the table.
Sources close to T.I. tell TMZ … he’s already met with some of the industry’s biggest names … including Dr. Dre, who asked him to join Interscope over dinner at Katana recently (see picture) … and Jay-Z, who wants T.I. in the RocNation family. We’re told Sony’s put a $50 million deal on the table so far … and Universal’s meeting with him later this week to make an offer too. (TMZ)
Coincidentally, Atlantic Records contacted T.I. last year for his opinion on hiring fellow Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy as its senior vice president of A&R.
“I think that’s phenomenal for Young and I’ve known about it for quite some time now. He came and spoke to me and asked me how I felt about it as far as whether or not it was a good fit for him,” Tip revealed in an interview. “And [Atlantic] came and asked me how I felt about it whether I felt that he was a good fit for the position and what not and I think it’s phenomenal. Now as far as me, I don’t know if I could necessarily do it. When I’m not working on my projects or focusing on my label’s projects I’mma go do me some movies or I’mma be bouncing back and forth doing other things. So I just don’t know how much undivided attention I could dedicate to a position like that.” (“The Morning Riot”)
Check out a recent T.I. interview:
