(AllHipHop News) Sounding much like a man who has learned a bevy of lessons in recent years, Atlanta rapper T.I. paid a visit to New York’s SoHo Apple Store last night (October 23).
T.I., who was interviewed by AllHipHop.com CEO Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur for Apple’s “Meet The Musician” series, was on a mini-promotional tour in the Big Apple to promote his forthcoming Trouble Man album release.
The album, which has been pushed back several times and is now slated for a December 18 release, boasts features from Andre 3000 on the bass-heavy, soulful-hooked “Sorry”, and Kendrick Lamar and fellow Atlantan B.o.B. on a cover of Gotye’s mega-hit, “Somebody I Used To Know”.
During the interview and listening event, fans were treated to a witty and confident T.I., as he reviewed his laundry list of current projects, including a new season of the hit reality TV show, “T.I. and Tiny’s Family Hustle”, a new fiction book, Trouble and Triumph, the TV show “Boss” with Kelsey Grammer and Sanaa Lathan, and the Trouble Man album.
About the album’s title, T.I. told Creekmur it was named that “for obvious reasons.” The previously embattled rapper has spent time in prison for weapons possession and probation violations, but according to him, he’s on the right track now.
“Nothing worth having comes easy… The [troubles] taught me the right time and the right people to say ‘f*ck you’ to,” said T.I. While he stays out of trouble with his numerous projects, he said he’s also found time to do some long-awaited collaborations: “We working on material. Me and B.o.B. got songs on songs on songs.”
With his wife, Tiny, tucked away in the Apple Store audience of about 150 people, T.I. reflected with Creekmur about having the support of his wife as he assumes his multi-level throne.
“Even the ultimate ‘ride or die chick’, you gotta give them a reason to ride!” he noted about their longtime relationship while offering some relationship advice to the men.
The coming months look to be busy ones for the artist, entrepreneur, husband, father, and self-proclaimed “King.”
“To assume the title [King] is bigger than music,” offered T.I. “I’m very secure in what I do. I welcome all challengers.”
Trouble Man is available online and in stores on December 18. View photos from T.I.’s “Meet The Musician” Apple Store event below:
