You’re used to seeing T.I. rule the streets of Atlanta as a rapper, but today he ruled the lot behind Stage 16, where he stepped into the role of director.
Together with VMA production top brass, label execs and a few members of his entourage, T.I. rehearsed and blocked his Sunday night VMA performance of “Whatever You Like.” The scene: a highly realistic fake jewelry store, high-end women’s boutique, and a few other half-dressed sets (picture the video coming to life) that’ll look like the real thing when T.I. performs on Sunday.
But to prep for the tricky timing and trappings of live TV, T.I. and the VMA producers pictured here walked through the set, discussing camera shots, angles, beats (as in perfectly timed pauses, not hip-hop beats), and lyrics to create the perfect performance.
The funniest part of the whole experience: watching a production assistant play T.I.’s single out of an old-school boombox as they walked through the set. Very hip-hop meets Say Anything. Watch the whole thing come together Sunday night on the VMAs. In the meantime, you can check out the rapper's surprise appearance at today's VMA press conference.
Stay up-to-date on everything about the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at vma.mtv.com, and don't miss the big show Sunday (September 7) at 9 p.m. ET/PT or the pre-show red carpet coverage that starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT.