After many years, T.I. has come forward to clarify his relationship with Lil Wayne during the creation of their 2008 hit “Swagga Like Us.”
During a recent appearance on Fat Joe’s STARZ series “Fat Joe Talks,” the Atlanta rapper reflected on the superstar collaboration, which also featured JAY-Z, Kanye West, and M.I.A. The discussion, held at the Grammy Museum, covered a range of topics—from the evolution of trap music to T.I.’s experiences in the comedy scene. However, his story about “Swagga Like Us” particularly stood out.
Fat Joe brought up an old industry rumor suggesting there was tension between T.I. and Lil Wayne over who was the best rapper at the time, allegedly causing issues during the song’s production. T.I. found the rumor laughable and baseless, pointing out that he and Lil Wayne had collaborated on multiple tracks.
“I think some people talk just because they have lips. And there’s respect there,” T.I. said. “The toughest fight you had, no matter who it was against, you leave with respect for that person. It has to be that way.”
T.I. also explained how the single came together, noting that the verses were not recorded in the same studio. He credited the song’s producer, Gee Roberson, as the visionary behind making the track a major success.
“To my knowledge, how I remember it, I was first,” T.I. continued. “Gee Roberson gave me a beat that Kanye produced with the M.I.A. sample. He sent it to me with Kanye already on the hook. Then he said, ‘You know what would be dope? If I could get Wayne and Hov on here too.’ And I said, ‘Man, get the f*ck out of here!’”
Despite the unconventional recording process and persistent rumors, “Swagga Like Us” went on to earn two Grammy nominations, ultimately winning Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
