T.I.’s “Buy Back the Block” Venture Is Providing Affordable Housing

T.I.’s “Buy Back the Block” Venture is Providing Affordable Housing

Rapper T.I. is taking his grand hustle to the world of real estate! His newest venture, “Buy Back the Block,” is in conjunction with APD-Urban Planning and Management and Dynasty Real Estate Development. The program buys properties in the neighborhood he grew up in, and flips them for affordable housing for the community. The program is focusing on combatting the gentrification taking place in the neighborhood, skyrocketing the prices of the properties.

“Buy Back the Block” has already purchased nine properties in Tip’s old neighborhood – including Bankhead Seafood. He and fellow Atlanta rapper/community activist Killer Mike joined forces to save the restaurant from being shut down. They plan to tear it down, rebuild it under the same name, and even use the same beloved recipes from the previous owner. T.I. commented on how he and Mike’s brand of community involvement:

“With as much growth and opportunity that’s going on in my community — and, you know, Mike’s community as well — we refuse to be left behind.”

He continued, explaining how he feels about being a role model:

“I have enough things going on where I don’t have to chase sensationalism, I don’t have to be provocative for no reason just because my personality lends itself to controversy. Rather than try to be a role model, I’d rather be a real model.”

The rapper’s tenth studio album, “Dime Trap” was released on October 5, 2018, and his new show – “T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle” – will premiere October 22, 2018 on VH1.

Catch T.I.’s full ABC News interview tonight at 12:35AM EST.

Written by Miata Shanay