S. Samuel
Grammy-winning rapper T.I. recently discussed locking in some studio time with elusive rap veteran Andre 3000 and just how cool and collective the OutKast member is in-person.
Although mum on the details, Tip described their music-making session as a special moment in hip-hop for him.
T.I. has worked with everyone from Rihanna to Kid Rock, but he’s especially excited about a new record with André 3000. The Atlanta rapper revealed that he has collaborated with the elusive OutKast member for his upcoming album Trouble Man, due September 4. “I got a record with 3000,” he told DJ Whoo Kid on Shade 45. “That’s a proud moment for me.” Tip recalled what the fashionable MC was wearing during their studio sessions. “He dressed like Stacks. Matter of fact, I think he did have a white tee on. It was a Three Stacks white tee though.” (Rap-Up)
Recently, Andre 3000 nixed OutKast album reunion plans and stressed his current interest in collaborating with new artists.
“There’s been a lot of talk on the Internet about an OutKast album and I have to say that as of now, there are no plans for another OutKast album. There’s a lot of music on the horizon. I’ve been living off the excitement of new artists. I’ve been privileged to have these new artists kind of reach out and grab back and say, “Hey, Andre, we want you on this song.” So I’ve been taking those calls and for the last two years, I’ve been doing collaborations. So these new artists have kind of been keeping me alive. I’ve just really been feeding off of that and this year I think I’m planning to do a solo project. I don’t know when it will come out, but hopefully it’ll come out this year. As far as OutKast, I really don’t know if or when that will happen.” (GQ)
Producer Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph recently hit up SOHH to discuss Tip’s upcoming Trouble Man album.
“I think what we want to do is transcend and introduce a musically mature T.I.,” Sak Pase told SOHH. “I think he’s accomplished a lot with the T.I. we already know him for. Obviously his new album will have the classic T.I. records where it may be a great female record but musically, I think it may not be time to try something different but kind of mature the music a little bit more plus add a bit more sophistication to who he already is. People don’t really regard Southern artists as lyricists or true emcees or sophisticated. So I think he has an opportunity to do that now. He’s done Trap Muzik which was very successful and I think now it’s an opportunity to try something different. I want to be able to say that Tip is venturing out into different types of music and elements that could spark a different kind of light.” (SOHH)
Last fall, the “King of the South” held forth about his upcoming Grand Hustle solo release.
“I’m embracing it,” T.I. tells me of the persona that is the title of his eighth studio album, “Trouble Man.” A minute into the title track, before I could ask why, Marvin Gaye‘s “Trouble Man” comes through the speakers of Atlanta’s Darp Studio Inc and we both nod our heads in understanding. As Marvin smoothly croons of personal struggles, T.I. smiles and nods his head yes. … “I have this one record [titled] ‘Pyro’ that I’m proud of,” T.I. told Billboard.com’s The Juice. “‘Pyro’ is a straight party record. It’s nostalgic of those crazy nights, early mornings [but] just turned up.” “Pyro” will come after the release of T.I.’s two singles, “I’m Flexin’,” featuring Big K.R.I.T. and “Hear Ye’ Hear Ye’,” feat. Pharrell Williams. (The Juice)
Trouble Man is scheduled for a September 4th release.
Check out T.I.’s interview below:
