.@TIP on New Album 'Paperwork', Pharrell's Talent, & Race Issues in America Including Raven-Symoné

T.I. returns to Larry King’s hot seat on the Emmy nominated series  “Larry King Now” for a revealing discussion about what influenced his newest album 'Paperwork,' the on-going situation in Ferguson, Mo. & his recipe for longevity in the ever-changing music business.

Grammy award winner, T.I. discussed the benefits of releasing his new album with Columbia Records after departing from Atlantic Records in 2013, "For this project, we've had the most creative freedom and ability to do whatever inspires us creatively.” He also explained what’s changed about the rap and hip-hop industries since he first started making records over a decade ago, “I think it’s a lot more saturated. I feel that there are definitely ways around the conventional methods of being discovered and breaking into the industry now.” (clip below)

The artist explained why Pharrell is such an incredible musician & producer, and what it was like having him executive produce his latest album ‘Paperwork’, “He knows how to take a hit that wouldn't have been a hit in anyone else's hands, and make it one in his." T.I. also commented on the belief by some that ‘Blurred Lines’ — his hit song with Pharrell & Robin Thicke — was misogynistic, “I thought it was kind of in a sense just telling women how wonderful we thought they were.” (clip below)

T.I. discussed what police officers were like growing up in his hometown of Atlanta and further explained his initial reaction to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., “Man I just thought it was catastrophic. I felt it was an extreme tragedy and extremely unfortunate I mean for the nation. Of course for the Brown family our hearts, prayers, and condolences go out to them, but for the nation to go through that again so soon after Trayvon Martin and you know it – America was already very tense as it pertained to race relations and young black men and how they’re treated in America by authorities – by authority figures.” (clip below)

T.I. responded to actress Raven-Symoné’s desire to no longer be labeled African-American, “I mean, I think she has an incredible point. We are all American. I think we need to find more reasons to unify rather than to divide each other and separate from one another.” Plus, T.I. answers social media questions from some of his biggest fans including what it was like working with Justin Timberlake, what his big break was, and if he would ever consider touring in the Middle East.

 The episode is now LIVE on Ora.tv and Hulu.com (episodes premiere daily 5pm EST)

Clips:

Columbia Records Puts The Art First And The Business Second

T.I. discusses the benefits of releasing his new album with Columbia Records after departing from Atlantic Records in 2013.

His Mind Doesn’t Work Like Ours

T.I. explains why Pharrell is such an incredible musician & producer, and what it was like having him executive produce his latest album “Paperwork.”

What Possible Reason Do You Have To Kill An Unarmed Young Man?

T.I. further explains his initial reaction to the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. & discusses what police officers were like growing up in his hometown of Atlanta.

I Think Raven-Symoné Has An Incredible Point

T.I. responds to actress Raven-Symoné’s desire to no longer be labeled African-American.

It’s Easier Now For Those Who Don’t Have True Talent To Make It

T.I. explains what’s changed about the rap and hip-hop industries since he first started making records over a decade ago.

I Thought “Blurred Lines” Told Women How Wonderful They Were

T.I. comments on the belief by some that “Blurred Lines” — his hit song with Pharrell & Robin Thicke — was misogynistic.

Quotes:

"The theme of this album is soul and a different application of how to approach music in this day and age." -- on his new album ‘Paperwork’

“Pharrell has been an avid supporter and an inspiration to me ever since my very first album."

“I mean for real he doesn’t – his mind doesn’t work the way ours always does. I think he sees music and we hear it you know what I mean. He can actually – he can do things with chord progressions and just instrumentation that I don’t think any of us have ever seen before.” -- on Pharrell

“He knows how to take a hit that wouldn't have been a hit in anyone else's hands, and make it one in his." -- on Pharrell

"Their project is just so important for music and pop culture today." -- on Lady Gaga's collaboration with Tony Bennett

"It's the best way to bridge gap between genres. [It's a] reason to come together as opposed to a reason to separate." -- on why he enjoys collaborating with other artists

“I would be speechless at that point.” -- If Darren Wilson, the officer who killed Michael Brown, is not indicted

“People with their own personal agendas that came and interfered with the protest and I didn’t agree with that approach.  ” -- T.I.’s response to the response to the Michael Brown killing in Ferguson, MO

“Absolutely not, I don’t see an excuse that someone who took an oath to uphold, protect, and serve the people of the community, what possible reason you could have to open fire and kill, no just wound, but kill an unarmed -- an unarmed young man. There’s no excuse. Now for a human being -- let’s say for me -- I’m a citizen. If another citizen makes me feel threatened to the point where I feel like excessive force or lethal force that’s one thing because I haven’t been trained. I didn’t take an oath you know my criteria the expectations for me are not the same.” -- T.I. on the actions of some law enforcement officials in America

“I mean, I think she has an incredible point. We are all American. I think we need to find more reasons to unify rather than to divide each other and separate from one another.”  -- in response to Raven-Symoné’s comments about not wanting to be labeled “African American”

“I like being able to do what I love doing for a living. You know. Get paid for doing something I love. And fame just happens to be something that comes with it. I look at it...it’s more of a detriment.” -- on not really liking fame

“I think it’s a lot more saturated. I feel that there are definitely ways around the conventional methods of being discovered and breaking into the industry now.” -- on the current state of the Rap and Hip- Hop industry

“For this moment in time, these are the most iconic stars & people & figures in music that you can associate with.” -- on his fellow rap and hip hop stars, like Beyonce, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, & Eminem

“That’s the cornerstone of our industry.” -- on touring and performing live

“I have more socks than I do underwear.” -- on his obsession with collecting socks