Three-time Grammy winning rap superstar, T.I has been drafted to replace Rick Ross on this month’s Reggae Sumfest lineup following the latter’s arrest on kidnapping and assault charges in the United States.
The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. was confirmed to perform at the show this past weekend, just prior to Sumfest’s commencement on Sunday.
“We are ecstatic to announce that T.I. has been confirmed and will perform on Friday night,” read a statement from Robert Russell, chairmain of Summerfest Productions, Sumfest’s organizing committee.
T.I. first became familiar with Jamaican fans with his 2001 single, I’m Serious featuring Beenie Man, though the album of the same name, his debut, flopped commercially.
His stock rose considerably with his sophomore effort, Paper Trail which featured the hit single, Rubber Band Man and continued his rise to elite level status with his third album, Urban Legend which produced U Don’t Know Me and Bring Em Out.
His third album, KING led to his first Grammy win for the single, What You Know while his collaborative effort alongside Justin Timberlake, My Love and Swagger Like Us alongside Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and M.I.A. also won Grammys in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
This news comes after Rick Ross was jailed in connection to an alleged kidnapping case in which he is accused to pistol whipping and beating up a man at one of his residences. As per conditions of his bail, Ross is not allowed to leave the U.S., thus rendering him a no-go for Sumfest.
T.I. will perform on International Night 1 of Reggae Sumfest 2015, on July 17 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay.
