While his run-ins with the law have been the fodder for many a tabloid over the past few years, hip-hop star T.I. has stayed focused on diversifying his work. The Atlanta rapper has produced his VH1 reality show “Family Hustle,” written two books — “Power & Beauty” along with its sequel “Trouble & Triumph”— and through his Grand Hustle label introduced the world to B.o.B. Now you can add the success of his latest album, “Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head.”
Is he worried that fans of his hard edged hip-hop will be turned off by how much he has broadened his horizons?
“It would be preposterous to come back after my hiatus and not acknowledge that there is a rebuilding process,” he says. “I’m not the same guy, but I am cut from the same cloth. My morals, my standards are still the same. My actions and my locations might be a tad bit different but my mindset and my heart is still the same.”
The Atlanta born rapper returned to the charts last month when his eighth album hit No. 2 on Billboard, moving 179,000 units in the first week.
“The response exceeded my expectations. I’m ecstatic that the subject matter and body of work really connected with the audience,”?he says. “That’s an unmatched feeling for an artist.”
The next challenge for T.I. is bringing together the stars of his hometown for an all-star tour.
“As of right now I’m cultivating the relationships that will allow us to work together in that capacity,” he says. “I’m making an attempt at putting together a domestic package that would allow us to go on tour: A package that will consist of myself, Trinidad James, I’ve spoken to Jeezy (and others). The new generation, the veterans and the OGs putting together a package that will really show the nation what this town has to offer.”
