During a recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take, T.I. had a few words to say about coming in at third on Complex’s list of the 50 Best Atlanta Rappers of All Time. Yes, you read that right-highly placed but yet not good enough, according to T.I., for what he brought into the table in terms of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.
First and foremost, T.I. gave respect to the originators in the history of Atlanta hip-hop: “Nobody steps on OutKast’s toes when we talking any kind of list in Atlanta.” He qualified that any list of top rappers out of Atlanta had to start with OutKast since “they got things going in the city.”
While T.I. was somewhat frustrated about being ranked third, he was sure to give flowers to other influential Atlanta artists like Future, Young Thug, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage. “I think Future has done phenomenal things for this generation,” he said. “Young Thug has done phenomenal things for this generation. 21 Savage, Lil Baby,” showing some appreciation for the major contributions they have made to the genre.
T.I. cited his credit for being one of the originators who made trap music widespread and his number of chart toppers as reasons why he should be ranked higher. His albums have sold more than 10 million copies combined, further showing his impact and the devotion of his fanbase.
Hosting duties for T.I on First Take fell to Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Molly Qerim. That fun talk even included Cam Newton, who could bring another side of being from the city and how he feels about its culture’s views out in public. So putting thoseTogether, it made for a pretty entertaining, even captivating discussion.
That impassive response from T.I. has consequently driven his fans to an outpouring of support on social media, thanking him for all he has done and continues to do with the craft. They have taken to thank him via Twitter using #RespectTheKing and #ATLLegend. That is one brazen move with which he shows just how far his reach extends to this day and the respect he receives within the rap world.
Out of frustration, T.I. seized the moment to reflect on the rest of the artists across the list. He acknowledged that OutKast were great, Future, Young Thug, Lil Baby, and 21 Savage-all of whom he pointed out have made big contributions to Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. T.I. has underlined that being mentioned among such legendary artists, old and new, is already an honor.
This has caused a stir, as it seemed Complex’s TOP 50 Atlanta Rapper list got a very fiery reaction from T.I. It has been upon his mercury-like passion that an indication of great contributions towards the genre truly was needed to be noted. And for as long as T.I. is active in making music and creating influence within the industry, not much can be done to take away his great contributions toward Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.
