Rapper TI Speaks To West Ridge Academy

Recently, the rapper TI was in Salt Lake City for a scheduled concert. While he was here, he agreed to visit our campus and meet with the youth at West Ridge. TI had planned on spending an hour with us before his concert later that night.

Being middle-aged, I didn't know who he was when I first heard he was coming, but all of the students certainly did. TI is one of Atlantic Record's most successful artists, and he is also co-CEO of Grand Hustle Records. His most recent album, released in the summer of 2008, debuted at #1 on the HIP HOP Charts. TI also appeared in the 2007 film, "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crow.

As we sat in our seats waiting for his arrival the excitement grew. This was not only a chance to rub shoulders with a famous rapper, but also be able to ask him questions. As he entered the building, there were screams from excited young ladies. He just smiled and waved at the crowd.

His hope in coming was to give inspiration and encouragement for a more positive future and better things to come. He encouraged the youth to push their limits and reach goals that nobody dreamed were possible-just like he did. These are some of the key points that he spoke about. "Take your education seriously and be willing to invest in your future. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself. The sky's the limit. What you do with the time you spend here, meaning West Ridge, will determine where you'll go. You won't be in this position you're in forever". When asked what success meant to him he responded, "Success to me is to have my children be outstanding, successful citizens in society because long after my fame is gone, long after my music stops selling, and I'm not doing films, my children will be a reflection of me."

I was surprised at how down to earth he was. He realized people are not really in love with him as a person, because they really don't know him-rather they are fascinated with his fame. He tries to keep that in focus. Although he had a concert that night he didn't seem to be in a big hurry and stayed to answer all the student's questions. It was a rare opportunity and we feel very fortunate to have had TI spend time with our students. TI continues to travel around the nation meeting with local youth groups and sharing his message.