Critically Acclaimed Rapper, T.I. Rips Through an Exhilarating Performance in New 'VH1 STORYTELLERS' Special

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Just three days following the debut of his 7th album titled "No Mercy," VH1 will premiere T.I.'s very own "VH1 Storytellers" special.  Taped at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom, the event features tracks from his newest album "No Mercy" as well as hits from his critically acclaimed releases including, "I'm Serious" ("Still Ain't Forgave Myself"), "King" ("Live in the Sky"), "Urban Legend" ("Motivation," "Bring Em Out") and "Trap Muzik" ("Rubber Band Man," "I Still Luv You," "Live in the Sky").  "VH1 Storytellers: T.I.," will air on Friday, December 10th at 11/10C on VH1.

Following in the "VH1 Storytellers" format, T.I. answered fan questions and talked about redemption, accepting responsibility for past decisions and finding his way through troubled times.  T.I. confessed, "Even when I lose faith in myself there is something in me that speaks through and says I am not finished yet."  Viewers will gain a unique opportunity to hear T.I. share his stories and the inspirations behind each song.  One example came later in the show during one of his most poignant songs, "Live in the Sky" where he opened up about the subject of the song by saying, "Before I could make my way to real success my cousin found himself in a situation and he took the bad end of a gun and lost his life in the same house as his 3 year old son and his wife.  That just hit me real hard and for him to have had as big of a part in the beginning of my career and not be there to see it turn into what it has turned into today opened up a lot feelings and emotions to me that I just had to put into music."

T.I. had the audience on their feet during the exclusive, hour-long performance as he performed a career-spanning selection of his biggest hits such as "Dead and Gone" as well as "I'm Back." Never one to hide from his troubles, T.I. recently commented that "No Mercy," "represents some of my best work inspired by my most recent best and worst life experiences. They say adversity brings forth inspiration so y'all can imagine how inspired I've been."  This "take life as it comes" mantra is reflected all the way through this timely showcase of one of the most relevant rappers in recent times.

"VH1 Storytellers" is a VH1 original series in which a singer/songwriter performs and tells stories in front of an intimate audience about their life in the industry, writing lyrics, playing with other musicians, and their career.  The series first started in 1996 with Ray Davies.  Since then, past episodes have featured David Bowie, Kanye West, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Green Day, Elton John, Coldplay, Jay-Z, Billy Joel, Pearl Jam, Dixie Chicks and Johnny Cash, among many others.

The full on-air show and additional performances not seen on-air will be available at Storytellers.VH1.com following the on-air premiere.

"VH1 Storytellers: T.I." is a production of VH1. Patrizia DiMaria produces with Lee Rolontz, Rick Krim and Bill Flanagan serving as executive producers.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 98 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.

SOURCE VH1