T.I. Shocks the Game: “I’m Done with Live Shows!” — Is the King of the South Hanging Up the Mic for Good?

Photo Credit: TIP/InstagramRapper T.I. is known for his explosive ATLien hits like Whatever You Like and Bring ‘Em Out, and it’s hard to imagine any of them without their accompanying live shows. But that might be the case if he has his way. He made the announcement Thursday during 96.1 the Beat’s afternoon show in Atlanta when he said he was done performing live. This was in the context of him being the headliner for the station’s Jingle Ball holiday concert this year on December 19th.

“I appreciate y’all for offering me my last working gig because I do not need the money anymore and I will not be performing,” T.I. revealed. “I don’t want to do it anymore … I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.” Young Dro, who appeared alongside him for the interview joked about taking on all the shows he didn’t want to do saying, “I will be picking up all of Tip’s shows that he ain’t going to. Doing them all.”

Host Ferrari Simmons asked T.I. if he was going to “do” something for another upcoming gig. He said “Of course, I’m going to answer the phone to tell them that I will not be performing.” This is very reminiscent of the viral clip of Michael Jackson saying how much he hates touring and then being told he couldn’t say that. Janet Jackson said she wasn’t touring anymore after The Velvet Rope tour which is going on 30 years ago she’s still doing it. We’re going to see if these remarks hold up weight because touring and live shows are where artists make the most of their money outside of other investments, which he does have a few.

Glitzers, do you think T.I. is going to stop performing live or is he going to give into pressure and change his mind later?