Rapper T.I. to Headline BMI Atlanta's 'Unsigned New Music Urban Showcase' April 28 at eleven50

Business Wire, April 18, 2005

ATLANTA -- Atlantic Records recording artist T.I. is set to headline BMI Atlanta's "Unsigned New Music Urban Showcase" on Thursday, April 28 at eleven50 (1150B Peachtree Road). Doors open at 8pm and the show begins at 9:30pm. Tickets are $10 before 11pm and $20 after.

Based in Atlanta, BMI artist T.I. has made a name for himself by simply being himself. He exploded onto the scene in the summer of 2003 with the release of his acclaimed sophomore album, Trap Muzik, his first for Atlantic. The CD debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, was certified Gold, and spawned such hits as "24's," "Rubber Band Man," and "Let's Get Away." Dubbed the "King of the South," T.I. has just released his eagerly awaited second Grand Hustle/Atlantic CD, Urban Legend, confirming his superstar status with an explosive debut in the #1 spot on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hip Albums chart and in the #7 spot on the Top 200 Albums chart.

In addition to T.I.'s headliner performance, the night will also feature sets from five unsigned BMI artists chosen as finalists for an urban music competition; they are Jackilyn, Cheneta, Kalenna, Jaiden and Free Sol. On tap as judges will be Hitco Music writer/producer Sean Garrett (Destiny's Child, Usher, Kanye West), Warner/Chappell writer/producer Jazze Pha (Ciara, T.I., Outkast), Ridaculture Records recording artist Cee-lo, Universal Music Publishing writers/producers Dre & Vidal (Usher, Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige), and others to be announced.

Founded in 1939, BMI is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music. Through its music performance and reciprocal agreements with sister organizations around the world, it grants businesses and media access to its repertoire of approximately 4.5 million songs and compositions.