Urban Legend (album)
Encyclopedia
Urban Legend is the third studio album
by American rapper T.I.
, released on November 30, 2004, through Grand Hustle Records
and Atlantic Records
. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200
, selling 193,000 copies in its first week of release, it charted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
chart, and at number one on the Top Rap Albums
chart.
The album's official lead single
, "Bring Em Out", was released on October 19, 2004 and became his first top ten hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, while the second single "U Don't Know Me
" peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. His third single "ASAP" reached number 75 on the U.S. charts, number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
charts and number 14 on the Hot Rap Tracks
. T.I. created a video for "ASAP"/"Motivation". However, "Motivation" only made it to number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The album features production provided by long time collaborating Producers DJ Toomp
, Jazze Pha
, Lil Jon
, The Neptunes
, Nick "Fury" Loftin, David Banner
and Sanchez Holmes. New Producers to contribute to the album would inclued Daz Dillinger
, Kevin "Khao" Cates, KLC
, Mannie Fresh
, Scott Storch
and Swizz Beatz
. Featured guests on the album would include Trick Daddy
, Nelly
, Lil Jon
, B.G.
, Mannie Fresh
, Daz Dillinger
, Lil Wayne
, Pharrell Williams
, P$C
, Jazze Pha
and Lil' Kim
.
Upon its release, Urban Legend received generally favorable reviews from most music critics, where most music critics saw it as another major improvement.
The Recording Industry Association of America
has certified the album platinum
, with over 1,000,000 copies sold in the United States
alone.
. Right after watching two successive singles "24's
" and "Rubber Band Man" become the most successful hits of his career including the other two hits "Be Easy
" and "Let's Get Away
", he was put behind bars for violating probation
that resulted from a 1997 arrest on cocaine
distribution and the manufacturing and distribution of a controlled substance
. In March 2004, a warrant
was issued for T.I.'s arrest after he violated his probation of a 1997 drug conviction. He was sentenced to three years in prison
. While imprisoned in Cobb County, Georgia
, he filmed an unauthorized music video
. One month later, he was allowed a work release
program. T.I. was on probation stemming from a 1998 conviction
for violating a state controlled substances act and for giving false information. After being released on probation
, he earned a litany of probation violations in several counties around Georgia for offenses ranging from possession of a firearm
to possession of marijuana
.
program that allowed him to continue making music he proceeded to record several albums' worth of material. Recording sessions took place at P.S. West Studios, at Silent Sounds Studios, and at Stankonia Studios which all three of them took place at Atlanta, Georgia
T.I.'s hometown. With only one recording session taking place at The Orange Grove Studios which is located in Los Angeles, California
.
, Jazze Pha
, Lil Jon
, The Neptunes
, Nick "Fury" Loftin, David Banner
and Sanchez Holmes. New Producers to contribute to the album would inclued Daz Dillinger
, Kevin "Khao" Cates, KLC
, Mannie Fresh
, Scott Storch
and Swizz Beatz
.
, Nelly
, Lil Jon
, B.G.
, Mannie Fresh
, Daz Dillinger
, Lil Wayne
, Pharrell Williams
, P$C
, Jazze Pha
and Lil' Kim
.
, rapper T.I. boldly established himself as a young rapper to watch and a sought-after guest artist. As if to cement his stardom, T.I. opens his third record, Urban Legend, with one of the most famous declarations in the history of hip-hop, Run–D.M.C.'s "I'm the kiiiing," building the assured track ("Tha King") around a sleek "Hit It Run" sample. On that song, T.I. wanders around the rap iconography of the South, asserting himself the new leader and claiming that his ascendance came without the aid of major guest appearances on his previous album.
On ‘Motivation’, T.I. spits with focus over high-powered flutes, produced by DJ Toomp
, warning others he is at his prime. The thunderous sounds on ‘U Don't Know Me
' show the raw, gritty charisma of the ATL native, whilst on ‘Get Loose’ featuring Nelly
, having Jazze Pha
behind the boards attempts to create the next ‘Tip Drill’ anthem. Showing maturity and development from ‘Trap Muzik’, T.I. opens up with composure on ‘Prayin for Help’, on which he humbly confesses his difficulty of making it over the mellow beat.
On the lead single ‘Bring Em Out’, Swizz Beats speeds up a Jay-Z
sample used on the hook, creating an East Coast-sounding hit. Even though the lead single does not compare to the main hit ‘Rubberband Man
’ on ‘Trap Muzik’, the track will do enough to move feet in clubs. On ‘Chilling with my B****’, T.I. creates a laid-back atmosphere through his flamboyant rhymes for his lady, on a track which also features the smooth vocals of Jazze Pha on the hook, over the calm Caribbean
sounds of Scott Storch
(Fat Joe
’s ‘Lean Back
’), as both Jazz and T.I. repeat the sounds of ‘Let's Get Away
’ on his previous album. The ‘Rubberband Man’ continues to boast on ‘The Greatest’ over the 808 drums of Mannie Fresh
, whilst Daz Dillinger
, the man behind many of Snoop Dogg
and Tupac Shakur
’s hits back in the Deathrow days, helps T.I. on the slick ‘My Life’, creating that West Coast
groove. The King of Crunk
assists T.I. on ‘Stand Up’, as T.I., Trick Daddy
and Lil Wayne
rhyme over a unique Lil Jon
beat.
However, with the pointless meaning and generic sounds on ‘Get Yo S*** Together’ featuring Lil' Kim
, T.I. does stumble in places on the album, just like he does with the commercial sounds on The Neptunes
-produced ‘Freak Though’ featuring a very high-pitched Pharrell, (who shows no signs of killing a hook like he did on Jay-Z
’s ‘Excuse Me Miss
’ and his own ‘Frontin'
). Throughout the album, T.I. unleashes his brash swagger, and his delivery brims with an earnest confidence. Urban Legend reveals a rapper comfortable in his game, both riding solo and bouncing his rhymes off of others.
’, the young rookie has not been afraid to express who he is, as he smoothly spits ‘Seven time felon
/ What I care about a case, man’ on the David Banner
-produced ‘Rubberband Man
’. However, with the competition rising in the form of Houston’s Lil’ Flip, T.I.’s self proclamation of his ‘King’ status was severely questioned. With his release from prison a few months ago, and the bubbling down of his publicised “beef” with Lil' Flip, the question and concept on the album was if T.I. could the Atlanta-born rapper’s third release ‘Urban Legend’ be the indication for him to be officially crowned ‘King of Da South’.
at number 9, it charted at number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart, and at number 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks
chart. In the United Kingdom
the single entered the UK Singles Chart
at number 59, and in Tokyo, Japan the single entered the Tokio Hot 100 at number 42. He used a vocal sample from Jay-Z
's "What More Can I Say
" from The Black Album
to create the hook. "Bring Em Out" became T.I.'s first top 10 single to enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song was produced by Swizz Beatz
and written by T.I.. The song was featured extensively during the 2006 NBA Finals
as the theme song for the Miami Heat
during player introductions. "Bring Em Out" is featured on the unofficial remix for the Britney Spears
song "Gimme More
". T.I. sang this on an episode of "The O.C.
" (The Return of the Nana
) and the song appeared in an episode of the hit HBO series Entourage
during Season 2. "Bring Em Out" is always played at New Jersey Nets
games, when the players come through the tunnel. It is also always played at Rutgers football games. It was one of the first singles from T.I. to chart on the R&R mainstream top 40
chart. Swizz Beatz also provided some vocals for the song but is only credited for production. The Recording Industry Association of America
certified the single platinum
.
"U Don't Know Me
" was the second official single from the album. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100
at number 23, it charted at number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart, it charted at number 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks
chart, and at number 65 on the Pop 100
chart. The single can be heard in the background of the video for T.I.'s 2008 hit "Live Your Life
" at the end while he is in the bar repaying the men that he owes. The song was nominated on several awards such as "Best Rap Solo Performance" on the Grammy Awards, "Best Rap Video" on the MTV Video Music Awards
and "Street Anthem of the Year" on the Vibe Awards. The song appears on the Video game Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
. The Recording Industry Association of America
certified the single platinum
.
"ASAP" was the third and final official single from the album. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100
at number 75, it charted at number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart, and at number 14 on the Hot Rap Tracks
chart. The song appears on the Video game Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
. The official remix features Big Kuntry King
& Mac Boney of P$C
. The song is considered a diss track towards fellow Southern rapper Lil Flip. The Recording Industry Association of America
certified the single Gold
. On the B-side of the single the song "Motivation" appeared and it charted at number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
chart.
, selling over 193,000 copies in its first week of release, it charted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
chart, and at number one on the Top Rap Albums
chart. The album has sold over 1,000,000 copies in the United States
. The Recording Industry Association of America
certified the album platinum
.
, but -- as is the case with Jadakiss
-- remaining patient for that classic album (and you know he has one in him) is getting tough." Entertainment Weekly
noted "T.I. recorded Urban Legend while in a work release
program for probation violation. But judging by his grudge-laden approach, he's addressing other violations as well — namely, claims by fellow Southern rappers that they're superior. Backed by synths for a sound he regards as counter-crunk
, he lays out his defense in lyrical
volleys aimed at rivals like Ludacris
, and when he declares I'm the King, you just about believe him." Tom Breihan of the Baltimore City Paper
stated, "T.I.’s flow is more focused and confident than it was on his 2003 breakthrough, Trap Muzik [...] But nothing on Legend can compete with the gloriously sunny candy-crunk Muzik hit 'Rubber Band Man,' and the new album feels like a thrown-together collection instead of a unified work."
Prefix stated, "When T.I. anointed himself "King of da South," it was more than just an ego trip; it was a strategic move to generate exposure and controversy. Until T.I., no emcee had dared to stake a claim to that lyrical throne, long held by H-town's Scarface
. Call it delusions of grandeur, but the man has the lyrical skills of Scarface and star power of Ludacris
. And his risk has paid off, leading to a guest appearance on Destiny's Child
's "Soldier" and spots on the covers of Vibe and Elemental magazines. His third LP is the tale of two emcees: the Bankhead hustler eloquently scribing the trap (drug dealing) game and the Urban Legend looking to take his regional fame national. T.I. may have conquered the hearts and minds of the street, but his goal with Urban Legends is to develop a sound that will bring in mainstream dollars. T.I. may have ambitions of a rap takeover, but without a viable crossover hit the mainstream will remain out of his grasp. It may seem trivial that T.I. anointed himself king, but it brings a tremendous amount of pressure to prove haters wrong and defend the crown from would-be challengers. Fear not: T.I.'s confidence and arrogance is thick as a bulletproof vest
, and the man is plotting for Jay-Z
's number-one spot. Don't say I didn't warn you. Laugh now and cry later." Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews had this to say about the album "If he can stay clean and out of prison (good for a buzz but bad for career longevity, knahmean) there seems to be no limit to how far he can go."
Prayin' for Help
Why U Mad at Me
Bring Em Out
Limelight
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
by American rapper T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
, released on November 30, 2004, through Grand Hustle Records
Grand Hustle Records
Grand Hustle Records is an Atlanta, Georgia-based record label formed in 2003 by Clifford "T.I." Harris and Jason Geter. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records.-Artists:*P$C...
and Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
. The album debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling 193,000 copies in its first week of release, it charted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
chart, and at number one on the Top Rap Albums
Top Rap Albums
Top Rap Albums is a record chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks Rap and hip-hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The chart began publication for the week of November 13, 2004....
chart.
The album's official lead single
Lead single
A lead single is usually the first single released by a musician or a band before the release of its home album.During the era of the grammophone record, all music arrived in the marketplace as what is now termed a single, one potential hit song backed by an additional song of generally less...
, "Bring Em Out", was released on October 19, 2004 and became his first top ten hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, while the second single "U Don't Know Me
U Don't Know Me (T.I. song)
"U Don't Know Me" is a 2004 rap song recorded by T.I. from his third album, Urban Legend. It made it to #23 in the United States. T.I. here addresses individuals who claim to be the author of his success or else wish to leech off of it. T.I. reminds his audience that his present staying power is...
" peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100. His third single "ASAP" reached number 75 on the U.S. charts, number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
charts and number 14 on the Hot Rap Tracks
Hot Rap Tracks
Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single...
. T.I. created a video for "ASAP"/"Motivation". However, "Motivation" only made it to number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
The album features production provided by long time collaborating Producers DJ Toomp
DJ Toomp
Aldrin Davis, better known as DJ Toomp, is an award-winning American record producer and DJ who works in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1980s he was MC Shy-D's DJ and went on tour with him and the 2 Live Crew as they performed at various venues across the country with other artists such as N.W.A...
, Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, The Neptunes
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
, Nick "Fury" Loftin, David Banner
David Banner
Lavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
and Sanchez Holmes. New Producers to contribute to the album would inclued Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
, Kevin "Khao" Cates, KLC
KLC
KLC is a rap producer from the Third Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana . He found fame as a member of No Limit Records' Beats By the Pound, and since leaving the label has been the leader of the Medicine Men, consisting of the same producers as the original Beats by the Pound, as well as some new talent...
, Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
, Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
and Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
. Featured guests on the album would include Trick Daddy
Trick Daddy
Maurice Young , better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, is a certified platinum American rapper and producer from Miami, Florida.-Music career:...
, Nelly
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, B.G.
B.G. (rapper)
Christopher Dorsey , better known by his stage name B.G. , is an American rapper and actor, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career signed to Cash Money Records in 1993 with Lil Wayne as half of the duo The B.G.'z...
, Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
, Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
, Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams , commonly known simply as Pharrell, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing hip hop and R&B music...
, P$C
P$C
P$C, or Pimp Squad Click, is an American Southern rap group from Atlanta, Georgia.-Biography:Formed by rapper T.I. and his longtime companions Big Kuntry King,C-Rod, AK & Mac Boney. All of the members are signed to Grand Hustle Records, as well as the group...
, Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
and Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
.
Upon its release, Urban Legend received generally favorable reviews from most music critics, where most music critics saw it as another major improvement.
The Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
has certified the album platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
, with over 1,000,000 copies sold in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
alone.
Background
T.I. went through big ups and big downs after the release of 2003's success Trap MuzikTrap Muzik
Trap Muzik is the second studio album by American rapper T.I., released on August 19, 2003 through his newly found record label Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records....
. Right after watching two successive singles "24's
24's
"24's" is the first single off Atlanta-based rapper T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. The song, which on the surface seems quite basic, actually has an underlying theme of the need to seize a chance at wealth and prosperity. It was featured on the hit street racing game Need For Speed: Underground...
" and "Rubber Band Man" become the most successful hits of his career including the other two hits "Be Easy
Be Easy (T.I. song)
"Be Easy" is the second single off T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. The song is about the life of a man in the projects. The song peaked at #55 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.-Video:...
" and "Let's Get Away
Let's Get Away
"Let's Get Away" is the fourth single released from T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. It was produced by T.I. and Jazze Pha, who appears on hook with a woman, and outro of the song. It peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song interpolates Aretha Franklin's 1972 song "Day...
", he was put behind bars for violating probation
Probation
Probation literally means testing of behaviour or abilities. In a legal sense, an offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, often under the supervision of a probation officer...
that resulted from a 1997 arrest on cocaine
Cocaine
Cocaine is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. The name comes from "coca" in addition to the alkaloid suffix -ine, forming cocaine. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system, an appetite suppressant, and a topical anesthetic...
distribution and the manufacturing and distribution of a controlled substance
Controlled substance
A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use are regulated by a government. This may include illegal drugs and prescription medications ....
. In March 2004, a warrant
Warrant (law)
Most often, the term warrant refers to a specific type of authorization; a writ issued by a competent officer, usually a judge or magistrate, which permits an otherwise illegal act that would violate individual rights and affords the person executing the writ protection from damages if the act is...
was issued for T.I.'s arrest after he violated his probation of a 1997 drug conviction. He was sentenced to three years in prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
. While imprisoned in Cobb County, Georgia
Cobb County, Georgia
Cobb County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Its county seat and largest city is Marietta, which is located in the center of the county. The county was named for Thomas Willis Cobb, who in the early 19th century was a United States representative and senator from Georgia...
, he filmed an unauthorized music video
Music video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
. One month later, he was allowed a work release
Work release
In prison systems, work release programs allow a prisoner who is sufficiently trusted or can be sufficiently monitored to leave confinement to continue working at his or her current place of employment, returning to prison when his/her shift is complete...
program. T.I. was on probation stemming from a 1998 conviction
Conviction
In law, a conviction is the verdict that results when a court of law finds a defendant guilty of a crime.The opposite of a conviction is an acquittal . In Scotland and in the Netherlands, there can also be a verdict of "not proven", which counts as an acquittal...
for violating a state controlled substances act and for giving false information. After being released on probation
Probation
Probation literally means testing of behaviour or abilities. In a legal sense, an offender on probation is ordered to follow certain conditions set forth by the court, often under the supervision of a probation officer...
, he earned a litany of probation violations in several counties around Georgia for offenses ranging from possession of a firearm
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
to possession of marijuana
Cannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
.
Recording
After he received a three-year prison sentence, only to be granted a work releaseWork release
In prison systems, work release programs allow a prisoner who is sufficiently trusted or can be sufficiently monitored to leave confinement to continue working at his or her current place of employment, returning to prison when his/her shift is complete...
program that allowed him to continue making music he proceeded to record several albums' worth of material. Recording sessions took place at P.S. West Studios, at Silent Sounds Studios, and at Stankonia Studios which all three of them took place at Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
T.I.'s hometown. With only one recording session taking place at The Orange Grove Studios which is located in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
.
Production
Production for the album would be contributed by long time collaborating Producers DJ ToompDJ Toomp
Aldrin Davis, better known as DJ Toomp, is an award-winning American record producer and DJ who works in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1980s he was MC Shy-D's DJ and went on tour with him and the 2 Live Crew as they performed at various venues across the country with other artists such as N.W.A...
, Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, The Neptunes
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
, Nick "Fury" Loftin, David Banner
David Banner
Lavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
and Sanchez Holmes. New Producers to contribute to the album would inclued Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
, Kevin "Khao" Cates, KLC
KLC
KLC is a rap producer from the Third Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana . He found fame as a member of No Limit Records' Beats By the Pound, and since leaving the label has been the leader of the Medicine Men, consisting of the same producers as the original Beats by the Pound, as well as some new talent...
, Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
, Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
and Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
.
Guests
T.I. confirmed that featured guests on the album would include Trick DaddyTrick Daddy
Maurice Young , better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, is a certified platinum American rapper and producer from Miami, Florida.-Music career:...
, Nelly
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, B.G.
B.G. (rapper)
Christopher Dorsey , better known by his stage name B.G. , is an American rapper and actor, from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began his music career signed to Cash Money Records in 1993 with Lil Wayne as half of the duo The B.G.'z...
, Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
, Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
, Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams , commonly known simply as Pharrell, is an American rapper, singer, record producer, composer, and fashion designer. Williams and Chad Hugo make up the record production duo The Neptunes, producing hip hop and R&B music...
, P$C
P$C
P$C, or Pimp Squad Click, is an American Southern rap group from Atlanta, Georgia.-Biography:Formed by rapper T.I. and his longtime companions Big Kuntry King,C-Rod, AK & Mac Boney. All of the members are signed to Grand Hustle Records, as well as the group...
, Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
and Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
.
Content
With Trap MuzikTrap Muzik
Trap Muzik is the second studio album by American rapper T.I., released on August 19, 2003 through his newly found record label Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records....
, rapper T.I. boldly established himself as a young rapper to watch and a sought-after guest artist. As if to cement his stardom, T.I. opens his third record, Urban Legend, with one of the most famous declarations in the history of hip-hop, Run–D.M.C.'s "I'm the kiiiing," building the assured track ("Tha King") around a sleek "Hit It Run" sample. On that song, T.I. wanders around the rap iconography of the South, asserting himself the new leader and claiming that his ascendance came without the aid of major guest appearances on his previous album.
On ‘Motivation’, T.I. spits with focus over high-powered flutes, produced by DJ Toomp
DJ Toomp
Aldrin Davis, better known as DJ Toomp, is an award-winning American record producer and DJ who works in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1980s he was MC Shy-D's DJ and went on tour with him and the 2 Live Crew as they performed at various venues across the country with other artists such as N.W.A...
, warning others he is at his prime. The thunderous sounds on ‘U Don't Know Me
U Don't Know Me (T.I. song)
"U Don't Know Me" is a 2004 rap song recorded by T.I. from his third album, Urban Legend. It made it to #23 in the United States. T.I. here addresses individuals who claim to be the author of his success or else wish to leech off of it. T.I. reminds his audience that his present staying power is...
' show the raw, gritty charisma of the ATL native, whilst on ‘Get Loose’ featuring Nelly
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
, having Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha
Phalon Anton Alexander , also known as Jazze Pha , is an American singer, and songwriter.raised in Memphis, TN; son of James Alexander ....
behind the boards attempts to create the next ‘Tip Drill’ anthem. Showing maturity and development from ‘Trap Muzik’, T.I. opens up with composure on ‘Prayin for Help’, on which he humbly confesses his difficulty of making it over the mellow beat.
On the lead single ‘Bring Em Out’, Swizz Beats speeds up a Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
sample used on the hook, creating an East Coast-sounding hit. Even though the lead single does not compare to the main hit ‘Rubberband Man
Rubberband Man
"Rubberband Man" is the third single released from T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. Containing a sample of 'Go With Me' by Mannie Fresh, Production by David Banner was noted by music reviewers, particularly the ascending organ riff that has been described as 'hypnotic' and 'pure halftime show'. Upon...
’ on ‘Trap Muzik’, the track will do enough to move feet in clubs. On ‘Chilling with my B****’, T.I. creates a laid-back atmosphere through his flamboyant rhymes for his lady, on a track which also features the smooth vocals of Jazze Pha on the hook, over the calm Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
sounds of Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
(Fat Joe
Fat Joe
Joseph Antonio Cartagena , better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad....
’s ‘Lean Back
Lean Back
"Lean Back" is a 2004 single from the Terror Squad's album True Story. It features Fat Joe and Remy Ma, and was produced by Scott Storch. Fat Joe raps verses one and three, and Remy handles verse two...
’), as both Jazz and T.I. repeat the sounds of ‘Let's Get Away
Let's Get Away
"Let's Get Away" is the fourth single released from T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. It was produced by T.I. and Jazze Pha, who appears on hook with a woman, and outro of the song. It peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song interpolates Aretha Franklin's 1972 song "Day...
’ on his previous album. The ‘Rubberband Man’ continues to boast on ‘The Greatest’ over the 808 drums of Mannie Fresh
Mannie Fresh
Byron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
, whilst Daz Dillinger
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
, the man behind many of Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
and Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
’s hits back in the Deathrow days, helps T.I. on the slick ‘My Life’, creating that West Coast
West Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
groove. The King of Crunk
Crunk
Crunk is a music style that originated in Memphis, Tennessee in the mid-to-late 1990s and gained mainstream success around 2003–2004. Performers of crunk music are sometimes referred to as crunksters. An archetypal crunk track most frequently uses a drum machine rhythm, heavy bassline, and...
assists T.I. on ‘Stand Up’, as T.I., Trick Daddy
Trick Daddy
Maurice Young , better known by his stage name Trick Daddy, is a certified platinum American rapper and producer from Miami, Florida.-Music career:...
and Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
rhyme over a unique Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
beat.
However, with the pointless meaning and generic sounds on ‘Get Yo S*** Together’ featuring Lil' Kim
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones , better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and actress who was a member of the group Junior M.A.F.I.A.....
, T.I. does stumble in places on the album, just like he does with the commercial sounds on The Neptunes
The Neptunes
The Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
-produced ‘Freak Though’ featuring a very high-pitched Pharrell, (who shows no signs of killing a hook like he did on Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
’s ‘Excuse Me Miss
Excuse Me Miss
"Excuse Me Miss" is a song written and performed by American rapper Jay-Z. It released as a single for his seventh studio album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & the Curse . It was also co-written and produced by The Neptunes, whose Pharrell sings the hook in falsetto voice. The lyrics refer to love at...
’ and his own ‘Frontin'
Frontin'
"Frontin", is a 2003 song by producer Pharrell. The title refers to putting up a facade , typically to impress peers. The song features rapper Jay-Z, is written by Pharrell and produced by The Neptunes. At the time he insisted the single was a one-off, and that he was purely a producer and not a...
). Throughout the album, T.I. unleashes his brash swagger, and his delivery brims with an earnest confidence. Urban Legend reveals a rapper comfortable in his game, both riding solo and bouncing his rhymes off of others.
Concept
Confidence is what runs T.I. back and forth in this rap game, and with his self proclaimed ‘King of Da South’ status, who would argue at what the Atlanta native is saying? With his critically acclaimed 2003 album ‘Trap MuzikTrap Muzik
Trap Muzik is the second studio album by American rapper T.I., released on August 19, 2003 through his newly found record label Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records....
’, the young rookie has not been afraid to express who he is, as he smoothly spits ‘Seven time felon
Felon
Felon may refer to:* Someone who commits a felony* Whitlow, a purulent inflammation of the pulp of a finger* A slang term for Summer Mastitis in cows in the United Kingdom* Felon, Territoire de Belfort, a commune of the Franche-Comté region, in France...
/ What I care about a case, man’ on the David Banner
David Banner
Lavell Crump , better known by his stage name David Banner, is an American rapper, record producer and occasional actor. Banner was born in Jackson, Mississippi and graduated from Southern University. He started his music career as a member of the rap duo, Crooked Lettaz before going solo in 2000...
-produced ‘Rubberband Man
Rubberband Man
"Rubberband Man" is the third single released from T.I.'s album Trap Muzik. Containing a sample of 'Go With Me' by Mannie Fresh, Production by David Banner was noted by music reviewers, particularly the ascending organ riff that has been described as 'hypnotic' and 'pure halftime show'. Upon...
’. However, with the competition rising in the form of Houston’s Lil’ Flip, T.I.’s self proclamation of his ‘King’ status was severely questioned. With his release from prison a few months ago, and the bubbling down of his publicised “beef” with Lil' Flip, the question and concept on the album was if T.I. could the Atlanta-born rapper’s third release ‘Urban Legend’ be the indication for him to be officially crowned ‘King of Da South’.
Singles
"Bring Em Out" was the first official single to be released from Urban Legend. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at number 9, it charted at number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart, and at number 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks
Hot Rap Tracks
Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single...
chart. In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
the single entered the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
at number 59, and in Tokyo, Japan the single entered the Tokio Hot 100 at number 42. He used a vocal sample from Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's "What More Can I Say
What More Can I Say
"What More Can I Say" is a song from rap artist Jay-Z's studio album The Black Album. It was released as a street single simultaneously as the official single "Change Clothes". It premiered on Hot 97 on October 22, 2003 and was the first track from The Black Album to be heard by the public...
" from The Black Album
The Black Album (Jay-Z album)
The Black Album is the eighth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, released November 14, 2003, on Roc-A-Fella Records. It was promoted as his final studio album, which serves as a recurring theme, although Jay-Z returned to solo recording with Kingdom Come in 2006.The album debuted at number one...
to create the hook. "Bring Em Out" became T.I.'s first top 10 single to enter the Billboard Hot 100. The song was produced by Swizz Beatz
Swizz Beatz
Kasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
and written by T.I.. The song was featured extensively during the 2006 NBA Finals
2006 NBA Finals
The 2006 NBA Finals was the championship series of the 2005–06 National Basketball Association season. The Miami Heat won the championship in six games over the Dallas Mavericks, winning the final game at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and becoming the third team to win a championship...
as the theme song for the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
during player introductions. "Bring Em Out" is featured on the unofficial remix for the Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
song "Gimme More
Gimme More
"Gimme More" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout. It was released on September 27, 2007 by Jive Records as the lead single of the album. The song was written by Jim Beanz, Marcella "Ms. Lago" Araica, Nate "Danja" Hills and Keri Hilson...
". T.I. sang this on an episode of "The O.C.
The O.C.
The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
" (The Return of the Nana
The Return of the Nana
"The Return of the Nana" is the 48th episode of the FOX television series, The O.C.. The episode was written by Josh Schwartz and was directed by Ian Toynton. It originally aired on May 5, 2005.-Guest starring:-Plot:...
) and the song appeared in an episode of the hit HBO series Entourage
Entourage (TV series)
Entourage is an American comedy-drama television series that premiered on HBO on July 18, 2004 and concluded on September 11, 2011, after eight seasons...
during Season 2. "Bring Em Out" is always played at New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
games, when the players come through the tunnel. It is also always played at Rutgers football games. It was one of the first singles from T.I. to chart on the R&R mainstream top 40
Contemporary hit radio
Contemporary hit radio is a radio format that is common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia that focuses on playing current and recurrent popular music as determined by the Top 40 music charts...
chart. Swizz Beatz also provided some vocals for the song but is only credited for production. The Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
certified the single platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
.
"U Don't Know Me
U Don't Know Me (T.I. song)
"U Don't Know Me" is a 2004 rap song recorded by T.I. from his third album, Urban Legend. It made it to #23 in the United States. T.I. here addresses individuals who claim to be the author of his success or else wish to leech off of it. T.I. reminds his audience that his present staying power is...
" was the second official single from the album. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at number 23, it charted at number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart, it charted at number 4 on the Hot Rap Tracks
Hot Rap Tracks
Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single...
chart, and at number 65 on the Pop 100
Pop 100
The Pop 100 was a songs chart that debuted in February 2005 and was released weekly by Billboard magazine in the United States until its discontinuation in 2009...
chart. The single can be heard in the background of the video for T.I.'s 2008 hit "Live Your Life
Live Your Life
"Live Your Life" is a song by American rapper T.I., and the third single, from his sixth studio album Paper Trail. It was released as the third single from the album on September 23, 2008. The song features Barbadian pop singer Rihanna, and was produced by Just Blaze and Canei Finch. It officially...
" at the end while he is in the bar repaying the men that he owes. The song was nominated on several awards such as "Best Rap Solo Performance" on the Grammy Awards, "Best Rap Video" on the MTV Video Music Awards
MTV Video Music Awards
An MTV Video Music Award , is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in music videos...
and "Street Anthem of the Year" on the Vibe Awards. The song appears on the Video game Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition is a racing game, developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games, and is the third game in the Midnight Club series. Like previous installments in the series, the game is an arcade-style racer and focuses on wild, high-speed racing, rather than...
. The Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
certified the single platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
.
"ASAP" was the third and final official single from the album. The single entered the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
at number 75, it charted at number 18 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart, and at number 14 on the Hot Rap Tracks
Hot Rap Tracks
Rap Songs is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States. It lists the 25 most popular hip-hop/rap songs, calculated weekly by airplay on rhythmic and urban radio stations and sales in hip hop-focused or exclusive markets. From 1989 through 2001, it was based on how much the single...
chart. The song appears on the Video game Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition is a racing game, developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games, and is the third game in the Midnight Club series. Like previous installments in the series, the game is an arcade-style racer and focuses on wild, high-speed racing, rather than...
. The official remix features Big Kuntry King
Big Kuntry King
Sean Marrett also known as Big Kuntry King is an American southern rapper from Atlanta, Georgia who's signed to Grand Hustle Records. He is also a member of P$C, Pimp Squad Click a rap group. His debut album My Turn to Eat was released September 30, 2008.-Albums:-Singles:-References:...
& Mac Boney of P$C
P$C
P$C, or Pimp Squad Click, is an American Southern rap group from Atlanta, Georgia.-Biography:Formed by rapper T.I. and his longtime companions Big Kuntry King,C-Rod, AK & Mac Boney. All of the members are signed to Grand Hustle Records, as well as the group...
. The song is considered a diss track towards fellow Southern rapper Lil Flip. The Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
certified the single Gold
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
. On the B-side of the single the song "Motivation" appeared and it charted at number 62 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
chart.
Commercial performance
Urban Legend debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling over 193,000 copies in its first week of release, it charted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
chart, and at number one on the Top Rap Albums
Top Rap Albums
Top Rap Albums is a record chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks Rap and hip-hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The chart began publication for the week of November 13, 2004....
chart. The album has sold over 1,000,000 copies in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The Recording Industry Association of America
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
certified the album platinum
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
.
Critical response
Upon its release, Urban Legend received generally favorable reviews from most music critics. Allmusic writer Andy Kellman had this to say about the album "With all that chaos surrounding T.I., it's disappointing to hear him retracing his steps, rewriting old lines, developing with little progress. Perhaps it's asking too much to expect T.I. to show as much growth here as he did on Trap MuzikTrap Muzik
Trap Muzik is the second studio album by American rapper T.I., released on August 19, 2003 through his newly found record label Grand Hustle Records and Atlantic Records....
, but -- as is the case with Jadakiss
Jadakiss
Jason Phillips , better known as Jadakiss, is an American rapper. He is a member of the group The LOX. Jadakiss is one of the three owners of the imprint known as D-Block. In early 2007, Jadakiss signed to Roc-a-Fella Records / Def Jam Records.-Early life:By the age of 16, Jadakiss was a freestyle...
-- remaining patient for that classic album (and you know he has one in him) is getting tough." Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
noted "T.I. recorded Urban Legend while in a work release
Work release
In prison systems, work release programs allow a prisoner who is sufficiently trusted or can be sufficiently monitored to leave confinement to continue working at his or her current place of employment, returning to prison when his/her shift is complete...
program for probation violation. But judging by his grudge-laden approach, he's addressing other violations as well — namely, claims by fellow Southern rappers that they're superior. Backed by synths for a sound he regards as counter-crunk
Crunk
Crunk is a music style that originated in Memphis, Tennessee in the mid-to-late 1990s and gained mainstream success around 2003–2004. Performers of crunk music are sometimes referred to as crunksters. An archetypal crunk track most frequently uses a drum machine rhythm, heavy bassline, and...
, he lays out his defense in lyrical
Lyrical
The term lyrical may mean:*Lyrics, or words in songs*Lyrical dance, a style of dancing*Emotional, expressing strong feelings*Lyric poetry, poetry that expresses a subjective, personal point of view...
volleys aimed at rivals like Ludacris
Ludacris
Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
, and when he declares I'm the King, you just about believe him." Tom Breihan of the Baltimore City Paper
Baltimore City Paper
Baltimore City Paper is a free alternative weekly newspaper published in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1977 by Russ Smith and Alan Hirsch. Current owner Times-Shamrock Communications purchased the paper in 1987...
stated, "T.I.’s flow is more focused and confident than it was on his 2003 breakthrough, Trap Muzik [...] But nothing on Legend can compete with the gloriously sunny candy-crunk Muzik hit 'Rubber Band Man,' and the new album feels like a thrown-together collection instead of a unified work."
Prefix stated, "When T.I. anointed himself "King of da South," it was more than just an ego trip; it was a strategic move to generate exposure and controversy. Until T.I., no emcee had dared to stake a claim to that lyrical throne, long held by H-town's Scarface
Scarface (rapper)
Brad Terrence Jordan , better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, and recording artist from Houston, Texas and a member of the Geto Boys. He is originally from South Park, Houston.-Life and career:...
. Call it delusions of grandeur, but the man has the lyrical skills of Scarface and star power of Ludacris
Ludacris
Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
. And his risk has paid off, leading to a guest appearance on Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
's "Soldier" and spots on the covers of Vibe and Elemental magazines. His third LP is the tale of two emcees: the Bankhead hustler eloquently scribing the trap (drug dealing) game and the Urban Legend looking to take his regional fame national. T.I. may have conquered the hearts and minds of the street, but his goal with Urban Legends is to develop a sound that will bring in mainstream dollars. T.I. may have ambitions of a rap takeover, but without a viable crossover hit the mainstream will remain out of his grasp. It may seem trivial that T.I. anointed himself king, but it brings a tremendous amount of pressure to prove haters wrong and defend the crown from would-be challengers. Fear not: T.I.'s confidence and arrogance is thick as a bulletproof vest
Bulletproof vest
A ballistic vest, bulletproof vest or bullet-resistant vest is an item of personal armor that helps absorb the impact from firearm-fired projectiles and shrapnel from explosions, and is worn on the torso...
, and the man is plotting for Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's number-one spot. Don't say I didn't warn you. Laugh now and cry later." Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews had this to say about the album "If he can stay clean and out of prison (good for a buzz but bad for career longevity, knahmean) there seems to be no limit to how far he can go."
Track listing
Samples
Tha King- "King Of Rock" and "Hit It Run" by Run-DMC
Prayin' for Help
- "When I'm Gone" by Cynthia Biggs & Dexter WanselDexter WanselDexter Gilman Wansel is an American keyboardist, raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He contributed to the development of the Philly Sound and worked with producers Gamble and Huff at Philadelphia International Records. Wansel led the musical group, Yellow Sunshine...
Why U Mad at Me
- "Bumpy's Lament" by Isaac HayesIsaac HayesIsaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
Bring Em Out
- "What More Can I Say" by Jay-ZJay-ZShawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
Limelight
- "I'll Never Let You Go" by Leon Sylvers
Personnel
Credits for Urban Legend adapted from Allmusic.- Kori Anders - Mixing Assistant
- Big Kuntry KingBig Kuntry KingSean Marrett also known as Big Kuntry King is an American southern rapper from Atlanta, Georgia who's signed to Grand Hustle Records. He is also a member of P$C, Pimp Squad Click a rap group. His debut album My Turn to Eat was released September 30, 2008.-Albums:-Singles:-References:...
- Performer - Leslie Brathwaite - Engineer, Mixing
- Greg Gigendad Burke - Art Direction, Design
- Mike Caren - A&R, Engineer
- Chris CarmoucheChris CarmoucheChris Carmouche , known as "Mouche" is a producer, recording engineer and rapper. In 2004, Carmouche won a Grammy for his work on Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.-Early life:...
- Engineer, Mixing Assistant - Kevin Cates - Producer
- Jeremiah Claudius - Assistant Tracking Engineer
- Andrew Coleman - Engineer
- Kevin Crouse - Mixing
- Lavell Crump - Producer
- Daz DillingerDaz DillingerDelmar Drew Arnaud , better known by his stage name Daz Dillinger is an American hip hop producer and rapper mostly known for his membership in the rap duo Tha Dogg Pound, with Kurupt, and his work with Death Row Records.-The Chronic, Tha Dogg Pound and Dogg Food:Daz began his career on Death Row...
- Producer - DJ ToompDJ ToompAldrin Davis, better known as DJ Toomp, is an award-winning American record producer and DJ who works in Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1980s he was MC Shy-D's DJ and went on tour with him and the 2 Live Crew as they performed at various venues across the country with other artists such as N.W.A...
- Producer - Mannie FreshMannie FreshByron O. Thomas, better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is currently an artist and hip-hop producer who records for Def Jam South and his own division Chubby Boy Records...
- Producer - Fury - Producer
- Brian "Big Bass" Gardener - Mastering
- Jason Geter - A&R, Assistant Engineer, Executive Producer
- Sanchez "RockHead" Holmes - Engineer, Producer
- Cameron Huff - Engineer
- Hannah Kang - A&R
- KLCKLCKLC is a rap producer from the Third Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana . He found fame as a member of No Limit Records' Beats By the Pound, and since leaving the label has been the leader of the Medicine Men, consisting of the same producers as the original Beats by the Pound, as well as some new talent...
- Audio Production, Producer - Lil JonLil JonJonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
- Audio Production, Producer - James Lopez - Marketing
- Tony Love - Bass, Guitar
- Jonathan Mannion - Photography
- Josh McDonnell - Mixing Assistant
- Khary Menelik - Mixing Assistant
- The NeptunesThe NeptunesThe Neptunes are a record production duo consisting of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, who are credited with contributing the sound for many successful hip hop, R&B and pop artists in the late-1990s and 2000s...
- Producer - Zack Odom - Engineer
- Peaches - Stylist
- John Pirretti - Mixing Assistant
- P$CP$CP$C, or Pimp Squad Click, is an American Southern rap group from Atlanta, Georgia.-Biography:Formed by rapper T.I. and his longtime companions Big Kuntry King,C-Rod, AK & Mac Boney. All of the members are signed to Grand Hustle Records, as well as the group...
- Performer - Bryan Pugh - Mixing Assistant
- Ray Seay - Mixing
- Cyrus Shamir - Engineer
- Nico Solis - Mixing Assistant, Track Engineer
- Scott StorchScott StorchScott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
- Audio Production, Producer - Storty B - Producer
- Supa Engineer - Mixing
- Swizz BeatzSwizz BeatzKasseem Dean , better known by his stage name, Swizz Beatz, is an American record producer, DJ, rapper and painter. At the age of 17, he gained attention in the hip-hop world through his friendship with rapper DMX. Grady Spivey and rapper Cassidy helped launch his label Full Surface Records...
- Audio Production, Producer - T.I.P.T.I.Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
- Executive Producer - Phil Tan - Mixing
- Tom Tapley - Assistant Engineer
- Chris Theis - Mixing
- Corey Williams - Engineer
Charts
| Chart (2004) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Japanese Albums Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... |
39 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
7 |
| US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
1 |
| US Billboard Top Rap Albums | 1 |
Certifications
| Territory | Certifier | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
Platinum |
External links
- Urban Legend at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...