T.I. Talks Jay-Z Sample on ‘Bring Em Out,’ Working With Rihanna & More | 2023 Billboard Music Awards
Written by djfrosty on November 19, 2023
T.I. opens up about creating some of his greatest hits, leaving his DNA on tracks, working with Rihanna and Justin Timberlake and more for Hip-Hop Through the Charts at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy.
T.I.:
This journey has taught me so much about how to respect your art and remain true to the essence of who you are, you know what I mean?
Dawton Thomas:
My man, Tip, back in the building!
T.I.:
What’s happening, king?
Dawton Thomas:
Good to see you, family.
T.I.:
Always a pleasure!
Dawton Thomas:
So before we start into the tracks and everything and the accolades, how does it feel to have over 20 years of dope hip-hop success?
T.I.:
Man, it feels like a lot of work. You know, what I’m saying? A lot of hard work that paid off. You know what I mean? I’m the proudest of the music that we made then, you know? It inspired so much to happen that has evolved to still be relevant now.
Dawton Thomas:
That’s real, man. Three No. 1 albums, nine top 10s, four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits. We’re gonna get into some of these joints now.
T.I.:
OK!
Dawton Thomas:
“Bring Em Out” peaked at No. 9.
T.I.:
Wow. I met Swizz in the room and remember it was me, him, Craig Kallman, and at first I heard it had Jay [Jay-Z] on there, and when I first heard it the first thing I said, “Hey, do Jay-Z know you’re playing this for me, man? Did he say … did he approve this, bro? I don’t just want to put his voice on my record and not have him OK it.”
Watch the full video above!