T.I. Speaks On New Solo Album

With close to a month before Atlanta rap giant T.I. is expected to turn himself into authorities to serve a one year bid behind bars for federal gun charges, he has already started work on a new record.

Following up the platinum-plus Paper Trail, Tip’s next disc is tentatively scheduled to hit shelves in 2010. According to MTV News the ATLien has already recorded 20 tracks in preparation for his new project. While he picked up the pen for Paper Trail, Tip says he's recording some tracks straight from his memory.

"I'm doing it half and half," he told MTV of his writing process. "It depends on the type of record I'm doing. I have records now I did and I just went and did it like I used to, and I got some where I wrote it down. I'm not committing myself to one way or another. It'd have to be an infusion, just depending on what sort of album I want to make." [Watch Below]

"Recording is never a problem for me," he added. "I'm able to record any time. Through the best of times and through the worst of times, I'm still able to record. It may change the sort of song you do, but you never can tell. You never know until that moment gets there."

In addition to his upcoming solo set, the Grand Hustle leader will also be re-releasing Paper Trail with five new songs, as well as other extra content. As of press time it is uncertain when either album will drop.

Tip has to report to jail by May 19. – Elan Mancini