Rapper T.I. had already mentioned that he was looking at labels to put out his forthcoming ninth album as well as sign on his own hip-hop imprint, Grand Hustle Records. The rapper announced on Friday that he and his label would be joining up with Columbia Records. T.I. personally had been signed with Atlantic records since 2003, and his contract ended earlier this year. His last album with the label was Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head, which came out in December 2012.
T.I., based on recent interviews, has been more eager to talk about his new release planned for 2014 than his shopping for a label. He's already announced that Pharrell Williams will join Timbaland and DJ Toomp for production on the yet untitled project. Williams has certainly shown himself able to craft a hit, starring in both of this year's most downloaded songs, Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," and Daft Punk's "Get Lucky." T.I. also stars in "Blurred Lines," so look for some Williams-led falsetto hooks on T.I.'s next record. Plus, Williams is affiliated with Columbia, so no doubt he had a role in bringing T.I. toward the label.
"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. Nothing but love, respect and appreciation for Doug Morris, Rob Stringer and the entire staff," T.I. said in a statement.
ColumbIa isn't doing too badly for itself by picking up the Grand Hustle collective to go along with its founder. The label currently is responsible for other big names including B.o.B, and Killer Mike has seen a renewed interest thanks to several acclaimed releases over the past few years.
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