T.I. Pens Open Letter to Donald Trump

After writing an open letter to President Barack Obama, T.I. has penned one for President-elect Donald Trump. In the piece, which was published by Rolling Stone, Tip addressed the controversial businessman turned political figure.

“As you transition into your role as the President of the United States, you will undoubtedly be one of the most watched people in the history of the world,” wrote the King of the South. “So, I can’t help but ask in the midst of our nation’s calamity and discord: What do you want US to see?”

He added: “Should it ever at times seem as though WE are against YOU, I assure you it’s a result of YOU defining yourself as the representative for those who are and who always have been against US. The deck has always been stacked against US in this country. With every generation there has been strategic steps taken to oppress, imprison and control US. All we’ve ever wanted was equality and empathy as the historically disenfranchised citizens that we are, in a nation that we’ve contributed to just as much as anyone else who calls America their home.”

Tip has been critical of Trump in the past, but vowed to make strides towards understanding in the future. “I’m now past bitter and on my way to better,” he noted. “Trying to become a better me so that I can better understand how to see a better you and be better for US. If we all just start there, then I believe we can truly make collective progress.”

Throughout the election process, Trump has mostly been criticized by the hip-hop community. Artists like Common, ScHoolboy Q, Jeezy, will.i.am, Macklemore, G-Eazy, and Nipsey Hussle have all voiced their many concerns in various ways. However, Kanye West has endorsed and met with Trump since the election.

So far, no rapper has volunteered to perform at the President-elect’s upcoming inauguration. But yesterday, YG said he would perform his anti-Trump anthem “FDT” at the event for $4 million.