T.I. Denies Being Influenced By Lil Wayne Despite Hot Boys Fandom

T.I. and Lil Wayne established themselves as kings of the South throughout the 2000s in hip-hop, linking up on plenty of occasions for collaborations. While Wayne is two years younger than Tip, T.I. was actually a fan of Weezy during his run with the Hot Boys in the ’90s.

The four-time Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper sat down with DJ Whoo Kid for an episode of Whoo’s House podcast last week, where he recalled the days of hustling as a teen while listening to the Hot Boys.

“I’m a Hot Boys fan. I sold crack to the Hot Boys. Literally, man. Get It How U Live!, Guerrilla Warfare, I cut crack up and sold it listening to this music,” T.I. said. “B.G., Big Tymers, this was when Wayne was a teenager. I remember when Wayne couldn’t even curse.”

Tip continued to give Wayne his flowers: “To see what [Wayne’s] become and what he’s evolved into, it’s kinda we always knew it, but to see it come into fruition is super dope. I think he’s definitely legendary.”

When asked by Whoo Kid if he thought Lil Wayne influenced his music style, T.I. quickly shut down the thought.

“Excuse me, nah. Hell nah. He ain’t influence. Hell nah. That ain’t what I said. I ain’t said no s—t like that. We do push each other,” the Hustle Gang CEO explained. “As far as when I hear him do something dope, I’m like, ‘Oh okay, let me go do something doper.’ That’s what it take to evolve and set the game on another level. I think Wayne got his own lane, and I got mine.”

In the past, Tip and Weezy joined forces for tracks like “Wit Me,” “Ball” and the legendary posse cut “Swagga Like Us” alongside Jay-Z and Kanye West.

Watch the full interview below. Talk about Lil Wayne takes place shortly after the one-minute mark.