Not Mediocre

You’d think after releasing eight studio albums in 13 years, the words ‘take a break’ would be up for conversation, but not if you’re TI, one of the biggest names in the modern hip hop game. He’s gearing up to release LP number nine, Paperwork, this October.

“Now, why would you do something like that?” he asks, his voice going slightly high-pitched when asked if he ever takes breaks. The rapper, born Clifford Harris Jr, ain’t messin’ around either. Paperwork’s two follow-ups are already taken care of. “The next album is already finished. It’s the second instalment of Paperwork. And the third one is 50-60% finished.”

"She has a killer instinct… if you’re in a room with her, she could have a smile on her face and be dressed to kill but, you know, she looks like ‘Whether you like me or not, I’m gonna make it, so either assist me or get the fuck out of my way.'"

The rapper/actor/TV star and producer is undoubtedly one of music’s collaboration kings, having worked with everyone from Justin Timberlake to Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar to Eminem. His new album is no different, with vocalist Skylar Grey, Aussie rap sensation Iggy Azalea and the phenom that is Pharrell Williams appearing.

“Skylar Grey was really one of the only people that we could think of [for New National Anthem],” Harris explains. “There were like three people, which were Pink, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys and Skylar Grey. Those were really the only ones that jumped out to us. And Skylar was the one who was most eager and available to do it and we appreciate her immensely for that.”

Harris takes the collaboration process very seriously; he won’t just work with someone for the sake of it. “We have to have the song done first, we don’t just say ‘Ok, I’m gonna make a song today that I’m gonna put Drake on,’ you know what I’m saying?” he says. “We make the music and as we listen to the music, the vibe lends itself to a suggestion of someone. And from there it’s about who you have the most chemistry with.”

Just as important to Harris is switching things up album to album and ensuring each new project is better than its predecessor. “Man, we work tirelessly at trying to surpass our most recent bests,” he offers. “You know, we just get up every day to out outdo ourselves.”

So just how does Paperwork differ from pervious TI collections? Well it seems the rapper has gotten more in touch with, as he calls it, “the sound of yesteryear”. “I believe this one is a lot more musical. It’s a tad more moody. It has a bit of a nostalgic vibe to it.”

Our talk soon changes to his protégé, pal and Paperwork guest Iggy Azalea. “I don’t think that people give enough credit to an ability to get yourself outside of your world and appeal to people who may not live like you, who may not be where you’re from… but you must appeal to everybody,” Harris says. “She has a killer instinct… if you’re in a room with her, she could have a smile on her face and be dressed to kill but, you know, she looks like ‘Whether you like me or not, I’m gonna make it, so either assist me or get the fuck out of my way.’”