T.I. Explains How 2008’s ‘Swagga Like Us’ Came Together With Ye, Jay-Z & Lil Wayne

T.I., Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Ye (formerly Kanye West) teamed up to form the rap Avengers in 2008 for “Swagga Like Us.”

Tip joined Fat Joe for an episode of Fat Joe Talks on Friday (Nov. 15), where they dove into a multitude of topics surrounding the trap pioneer’s decorated career. One part saw T.I. showcasing the Grammy trophy he won for his role on “Swagga Like Us” in the best rap performance by a duo or group category at the 51st Grammys.

“We weren’t together,” T.I. said when asked if the foursome all hit the studio at once. “I was first. Gee Roberson gave me a beat that Kanye produced that had the M.I.A. sample. He got it to me with Kanye on the hook. Then he said, ‘You know what would be dope? If I could get Wayne and Hov on here too.’ I said, ‘Get the f–k out of here.’”

The Atlanta rapper dispelled any rumors of ever having beef with Lil Wayne in the past. “Nah, we got many records together. Many records together. Some people talk because they got lips,” he quipped. “It’s respect there. The toughest fights you had, regardless of who you fought, you left there with a respect for that person.”

In the years since, footage of Lil Wayne recording his syrupy verse for “Swagga Like Us” from a make-shift studio in a hotel room has repeatedly gone viral on social media.

The Kanye West-produced anthem went on to peak at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Swagga Like Us” was also nominated in the best rap song category, but lost out to Wayne’s Tha Carter III smash “Lollipop.”

T.I. ended up including “Swagga Like Us” — which gives fans a snapshot into who was dominating the rap game in ’08 — on his Paper Trail album that arrived in September of the same year. Paper Trail served as Tip’s sixth studio album and the LP topped the Billboard 200.

Check out the clip below and watch the full episode on Starz.