T.I. is featured in a swagged-out photo spread in
Smooth magazine. The rapper expounds on everything from the kind of swag he believes Barack Obama, our soon-to-be president of the United States (hey, can you blame me for being blatantly presumptuous in confidently thinking so?) should possess to his upcoming clothing line called
AKOO (A King of Oneself) which he describes as 'upscale, classy American apparel' that crosses party lines to bring together Dope Boys and Democrats. Let him tell it, it's all done off the cuff. 'My music and my style both come natural. It's not in a rule book.'
T.I. ON FOLLOWING THE RULES OF FASHION: I do what feels right. If we're talking about white after Labor Day, I feel, as an older cat--or, should I say, distinguished gentleman--white pants are a no-no for me. If we talking about the ensemble I wore for the (the magazine's) photo shoot-black pants, white jacket-I can wear that year round. The '70s, the '60s and the Harlem Renaissance era inspired me. It was just clean back then. That Harlem Nights era was just real with the white sport coat and black tie, black pants, with the scarf over the overcoat.
T.I. ON HIS CLOTHING STYLE FROM BACK IN THE DAY & THE NAME BRANDS HE WORE: Polo, Jordans, Guess jeans suits, Used, Damaged, at one point. I'm not that proud of that error. I ain't do the Cross Colours. I did Tommy Hilfiger for a hot minute. One thing that I must say I grabbed from New York was the snorkels and bubble vest. I used to wear Starter suits. I went from one extreme to the next.
T.I. ON HIS NEW CLOTHING LINE AKOO: AKOO is for the guy who cares about how he looks. It's also for the cats who don't have as much swag as the next cat. Just because you ain't got no swag don't mean you have to look like it. If you buy my clothes, then the swag is on me. Furthermore, if you dress in AKOO and your girl doesn't like it, I'll replace her with a girl who does. I can't give you your money back, but I will get you a girl.'
Earlier this week, T.I. was photographed getting his pre-election vote on in Atlanta. It's a good thing seeing as though by the time Barack Obama gets himself situated in the White House, our boy T.I. will be taking up residence in the Big House.
Find out what T.I. thinks of Obama's swag and view more scans of T.I.'s photoshoot when you click on the link below.
