The King of the South Returns: T.I. Ditches His Locs and Signals a New Rap Era [Video]

The Rubber Band Man is back. After spending a minute focusing on his business empire and a pivot into the world of stand-up comedy, T.I. has officially signaled that he’s returning to his throne.

Video

Fans recently noticed that the “King of the South” completely scrubbed his Instagram clean, a move that almost always means a major project is coming. The hype really started to build when a new clip appeared on his feed with the caption: “He’s backkkkkk.” In the video, it appears that the ATL OG isn’t just back in the studio; he’s looking like the version of Tip that first took over the streets.

Fans immediately clocked that T.I. brought back his signature low-cut fade from the early 2000s, ditching the locs he’s rocked for the last few years. This visual reset is a clear nod to his “Trap Muzik” era.

But it wasn’t just the hair that had the internet talking. The snippet features the unmistakable production of Skateboard P himself, Pharrell Williams. As soon as that signature Pharrell beat hit, fans knew this wasn’t just a casual freestyle, it’s a heavy-hitting collaboration that sounds like a return to form for both hip-hop legends.

This comeback is a major plot-twist for anyone who has been following Tip’s recent moves. Over the last couple of years, T.I. had been vocal about retiring from the rap game, claiming he was done with the industry to pursue a career in stand-up comedy.

However, it seems hip-hop needs the King of the South back, and it’s very clear from this teaser that we won’t be disappointed. The legend is officially back.