T.I. managed to have a three-decade career in entertainment that includes multiple industry awards and commercial accolades. The 43-year-old MC/stand-up comedian sat down with Shaquille O’Neal to discuss modern-day Hip-Hop music.
“This generation reminds me of every other generation,” T.I. stated on The Big Podcast with Shaq. “You got some people who are exceptionally dope, and some people who are just alright. But it’s a lot more of it to choose from now.”
He continued, “I feel that, actually, what they’ve done with music is equivalent to if they were to open up the doors of the arena and say, ‘Anybody think you can play basketball? Come on outta the stands out here to the floor. Here go you a jersey, man. Get in the game.’”
T.I. (@Tip) speaks on the new generation of Hip-Hop 👀 pic.twitter.com/SON5zstuhJ
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) March 2, 2024
Shaquille O’Neal then told T.I. that he didn’t like that the younger generation of rappers and basketball players didn’t show respect for the people who paved the way in those fields.
In addition to being a four-time NBA champion, O’Neal released several rap albums. His 1993 debut studio LP, Shaq Diesel, earned a platinum plaque from the RIAA.
T.I. has five platinum albums in his discography. 2008’s Paper Trail reached double-platinum status. He also has an RIAA-certified diamond single as a guest feature on “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke.