T.I.’s a major label artist again.
Almost a year ago, T.I. released Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head, his last album on his 10-year contract with Atlantic Records. It was a decade-long run that included multiple Grammy nominations and wins, multi-platinum sales, and the opportunity to sprout the careers of Young Dro and B.o.B, who are signed to his Grand Hustle imprint and have achieved mainstream success.
However, following the release of Trouble Man, which debuted at #2 on Billboard, T.I. decided not to renew his contract with Atlantic, and look for a lucrative deal–the rumored sum proposed by the Atlanta rapper was nothing short of $75 million–to bring his and his Grand Hustle talent back under the umbrella of a major label. After rumored meetings with powerhouse label Sony Records and Jay Z’s Roc Nation, T.I. has finally signed on the dotted line, after nearly a year of negotiations.
News broke this morning that T.I. has taken his and Grand Hustle’s talents to Columbia Records with the help of Pharrell’s persuasion. Skateboard P will be executive producing T.I.’s new album, Trouble Man: He Who Wears The Crown, which T.I. has admittedly been working on since the completion of his last LP. While a large majority of details are still unclear, press releases from both camps have been released to celebrate the official signing of the self-proclaimed “king of the south”.
I’m honored to be partners with such a successful, passionate and creative conglomerate like Columbia Records, who respects and supports the vision of their artist and partners. Nothing but love, respect [and] appreciation for Doug Morris, Rob Stringer and the entire staff. Also, a special thank you to my big bruh, Sk8board P, for always believing in me and also executive producing my upcoming project.
-T.I.
We’re very excited to welcome T.I. to the Columbia family. With his massive U.S. success and career history, we are going to make him an even bigger superstar on a global level.
-Rob Stringer, CEO, Columbia Records
Trouble Man: He Who Wears The Crown will feature production from Timbaland and DJ Toomp, will be executive produced by Pharrell Williams, and is slated for an early 2014 release.
-Khari Nixon (@KingVanGogh)
