T.I. Calls on 8Ball & MJG for Jury Duty

Ti and 8 ball

Last night at Atlanta’s ECHO Studios, veteran rap duo, 8Ball & MJG called on their industry cohorts to help them to decide on tracks for their upcoming Grand Hustle debut. T.I. and labelmates, Young Dro, Alfamega and Yung L.A. all made appearances at the “Jury Duty” listening party—although Ball’s partner in rhyme, MJG was M.I.A.

Industry tastemakers listened to 17-tracks, and were instructed to list whether they were “Acquitted” (good), “Hung Jury” (so-so) or “Guilty” (wack). Although 8Ball & MJG is widely regarded as one of the pioneering acts of southern hip-hop, as of late their work has taken some criticism. However, if their new material is any indication, both Ball & G are back on track lyrically.


With T.I.’s impending sentence on the horizon (he’s scheduled to serve one year in prison for gun charges), insiders and fans alike have questioned whether or not Grand Hustle will survive in his absence. Answering the call of doubters, Tip has personally introduced a few of what will undoubtedly be his flagship artists to industry heads, via special listening parties, exposing the wealth of talent that lies behind Grand Hustle’s doors.


Just last week, he was on hand at Atlantic’s offices to co-sign one of his brightest emerging stars, B.O.B., who has been bubbling for nearly year, and whose sound has been liked to Kanye West and Andre 3000.

“B.O.B. is one of the most diversified, talented, lyrical artists to come out of the south in a while,” T.I. said in a recent interview with Atlhustlers.com. “I’m looking forward to presenting his project to the world. He got everything you can ask for in a hip-hop artist. He came all the way from open mic night at [my club] Club Crucial and I watched him grow.”


Earlier this year, Grand Hustle also announced the signing of ex-Purple Ribbon rapper, Killer Mike. Mike’s latest album, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind was one of the most critically-acclaimed rap albums of 2008, and his signing further solidifies T.I.’s business and vision for his label.

“I enjoy creating deals and turning nothing in to something,” T.I. recently told rolling out. “I have an entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll see grand hustle collaborate with a few different people in different genres and areas.”

For more on T.I.’s plans for Grand Hustle, CLICK HERE

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