(AllHipHop News) The History channel is broadcasting a remake of the classic 1977 miniseries Roots. The new version of the TV program based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family sports a cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Mekhi Phifer, Derek Luke, Anna Paquin, Anika Noni Rose, and Tip “T.I.” Harris.

[ALSO READ: T.I. & Mekhi Phifer Join The Cast Of ‘Roots’ Remake]

T.I. stopped by Sway In The Morning to discuss his role as Cyrus in the 4-night, 8-hour television event. According to the Atlanta-based rapper/actor the part in Roots was the most important work of his career.

“I never saw a [slave] character that was non-subservient or that was rebellious. You know these people had to have existed,” stated Tip. “The fact that there is no Nat Turner story up until now, the fact that there has been no Harriet Tubman story – you know these people existed. You know everybody wasn’t just with it.”‘

He continued, “We never saw that part, and Cyrus to me is that. He wasn’t going for it. I’m honored to be able to bring that character to life.”

Roots begins airing on Monday, May 30 on History at 9/8 C. The series was directed by Phillip Noyce, Mario Van Peebles, Thomas Carter, and Bruce Beresford. Questlove of The Roots is the executive music producer.

“Nearly 40 years ago I had the privilege to be a part of an epic television event that started an important conversation in America,” said co-executive producer LeVar Burton in a statement. “I am incredibly proud to be a part of this new retelling and start the dialogue again, at a time when it is needed more than ever.”