Grammy Award winning rapper T.I. has broken his previous record for the highest leap in Billboard history on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna leaping from No. 80 to No. 1.   In August 2008 his single “Whatever You Like” leaped from No. 71 to No. 1 (and is presently at No. 2).

The singles are the first and second singles from Paper Trail, T.I.’s sixth studio album which is at the top of the Billboard 200 with sales of 568,000 copies in one week, according to Nielsen SoundScan, making  Paper Trail T.I.’s third consecutive No. 1 album.

In an interview with Rap-Up.com T.I. had this to say of his remarkable success.

“I haven’t indulged, really. My need to work supersedes my need to celebrate. I think you celebrate one accolade by setting the stage for more accolades,” said the MC who performed with M.I.A. at Diesel’s xXx “Rock and Roll Circus” on Saturday. “There’s more to be done, lots more work.”

Source: Rap-Up.com - Exclusive: T.I. Unfazed by Chart Success

CNN recently interviewed T.I. and he discussed his successes this year as well as the future challenges he faces, finishing up 1,000 of community service and beginning a one-year prison sentence in March 2009.



Via Street Knowledge - [video] T.I. on CNN

T.I. was among the artists performing at Diesel’s 30th birthday celebration in Brooklyn,, New York, the Diesel xXx Rock and Roll Circus, October 11, 2008.   Other artists included N.E.R.D., Hot Chip, Franz Ferdinand, Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte, M.I.A. and Chaka Khan.

Photos - T.I. at Diesel’s xXx Rock and Roll Circus, October 11, 2008 via Rap-Up.com

Find several more pics of T.I. at Bumpershine.com - T.I. at Diesel xXx (Pictures) -

Here is video of T.I. performing “Swagga Like Us”

Related posts:

• T.I. Giant Magazine Cover October-November 2008
•  Video: T.I. on BET 106 & Park 9-29-08 Interview & “Whatever You Like” Performance
• Video & Photos: T.I. & Rihanna “Live Your Life” MTV VMAs 2008 9-7-08 (Live Performance)
• Video: T.I. on BET 106 & Park 8-7-08
• T.I. Makes Billboard History as “Whatever You Like” Leaps from No. 71 to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
• Music Video: T.I. - “Whatever You Like” (Official)
• Photos: T.I. “Whatever You Like” Video Shoot
• Music Video: T.I. - “No Matter What” (Official)
• Music Video: Mariah Carey ft. T.I. - “I’ll Be Lovin’ U Long Time” (Official)
• Photos: T.I. “Respect My Vote” Campaign Launch 7-28-08

Video & Photos: T.I. Makes Billboard History + Diesel xXx Rock and Roll Circus Performance 10-11-08