T.I. says Pharrell, who is executive producing his upcoming Paperwork album, is making a strong impact with his contributions to the album.
“Aside from DJ Toomp, it’s the first time I’ve allowed a producer to come in and kind of shape my sound as he saw fit,” T.I. says in an interview with AllHipHop. “You must find ways to reinvent yourself in order to remain relevant. And who better to help me than someone as passionate and talented as Pharrell? He found a way to bring a colorful, left-field approach to my blue-collar celebrity. Between his wings and my anchor, we balance each other out. That duality is what makes this project unique.”
Pharrell’s advice has helped T.I. realize what he could do with his new album.
“When I first sat down with Pharrell, he told me to think ‘out of the stratosphere,’” T.I. explains. “What solidifies the resulting Paperwork is a unique blend of refreshing yet timeless material. As Pharrell would put it, we’re trying to rewrite history.”
T.I. has spoken about his work with Pharrell in the past.
“Me and Pharrell have a plethora [of songs],” T.I. said during a January interview with XXL. “We probably done recorded 14 records. Pharrell and I alone. Words couldn’t even begin to describe how cutting-edge, left-field and just how broad these records are. But they still have that texture that I speak of. They still have that Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack, a ridin’ dirty kind of … but a new way to present it to the world because it has that thing that Pharrell does to music that sets it apart from any and everything else that’s being played. And of course I had to give it the pulse of what I know. It’s incredible work. I did incredible work with Keno. I did incredible work with Sham [‘Sak Pase’ Joseph]. I have [a record] B.o.B [did] for me. It’s awesome.”
RELATED: T.I. Details Pharrell’s Work On “Paperwork: The Motion Picture” Album
Good cause Trouble Man was his worst album ever. very disappointed with that album especially cause he hyped it up to to be as good as all eyez on me. Not Even Close.
And you believe this album will be better LMAO. Please, check the tracklist.
Hate to say i wish an artist sounded like their old self, but when hearing Pharell is reinventing his sound, I suddenly want another Urban Legendz T.I. type album.
reinventing himself on your album? T.I u a guinea pig ass nigga
Big fan of Tip and excited for this album, but it seems like there’s almost no hype for this album. Might not even crack 100k.
Wait til a Pharrell single drops. Skateboard P has hits for days
I got faith in Pharrell’s production. Why all them features tho
looking forward to this. Ti is gonna put out some classic material. pharell is at his commercial peak and reaching a new level in his production…i think a rapper like game would benefit greatly to have one focused producer and direction for an album.
Naw I bet you anything its 50 Cent. 50 recently posted an IG vid of him saying he was talking to T.I. about doing a record together. Not many people know last December Pharrell said he wanted to executive produced a whole 50 Cent album (50 respectfully declines but not before complementing and acknowledging the producers accolades and longevity). 2 Months later 50 leaves Interscope and begins his independent grind working with people hes never worked before (Yo Gotti, Trey Songz, Mr. Probz, Guordan Banks, Fabulous) and since Mr. Happy is executive producing T.I.’s upcoming new album its safe to say (If or) when 50 decides to pass by the studio he’ll be able to chop it up with both Pharrell and T.I. and get to work. A 50 Cent x T.I. collaboration is already a certified attention grabber but (IF) under Pharrell production….50 will have an undeniable hit.