T.I. and Grand Hustle Announce Partnership with Columbia Records
The King has found a new home. T.I. has inked a deal with Columbia Records, where he will release his next album.
Columbia announced that it has entered into a partnership with the Atlanta rapper and his label Grand Hustle.
His “Blurred Lines” collaborator Pharrell was instrumental in bringing him to Columbia. The Neptunes hitmaker will executive produce Tip’s 9th studio album, due in early 2014 via Grand Hustle/Columbia Records. He has also been in the studio with Timbaland and DJ Toomp.
“I’m honored to be partners with such a successful, passionate and creative conglomerate like Columbia Records, who respects and supports the vision of their artist and partners,” said T.I. “Nothing but love, respect, and appreciation for Doug Morris, Rob Stringer, and the entire staff. Also, a special thank you to my big bruh, Sk8board P, for always believing in me and also executive producing my upcoming project.”
Rob Stringer, Chairman/CEO Columbia Records, added, “We’re very excited to welcome T.I. to the Columbia family. With his massive U.S. success and career history, we are going to make him an even bigger superstar on a global level.”
T.I. was previously signed to Atlantic Records, where he released seven albums. The rapper has sold over 14 million albums and 30 million singles to date and scored four No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
His last album, Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head, debuted at No. 2 in December 2012, and has been certified gold.