Rapper replaces Rick Ross on the show
CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer
After losing Rick Ross from the Reggae Sumfest line-up last week, the promoters of the event say they are pleased to have rapper T.I. as the last-minute replacement.
Yesterday, Summerfest Productions confirmed that American rapper T.I. will replace Rick Ross as one of the show's headline acts on Friday, July 17. This comes a week after it was disclosed that Ross would not be able to leave the United States because he is currently on bail for a kidnapping charge.
With this new addition, Summerfest Productions says they are now in the process of changing all newspaper, radio and television commercials to reflect this change.
Despite the last-minute switch, Robert Russell, chairman of Summerfest Productions, says they are happy with T.I.
"He is a great addition to line-up, and everybody has been responding quite well since the announcement was made. I now think we have a complete and fantastic line-up, and the show will be equally fantastic," he said.
"We know all the agents for the international artistes, and we have a good track record with them, so they made every effort to get us a strong act for the night. A lot of the artistes are booked for this period, so we are happy that T.I was available."
T.I. is one of four international acts slated to perform on the show. He joins the likes of Common, Jennifer Hudson and actor-turned-rapper Yazz.
But T.I. is no stranger to the music game, as he has had numerous successful songs such asBring Em Out, What You Know, Whatever You Like, Live Your Life (featuring Rihanna),DeadandGone (featuring Justin Timberlake), Ball (featuring Lil Wayne), and No Mediocre(featuring Iggy Azalea). He has also won three Grammy Awards - Best Rap Solo Performance, Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The addition of T.I. to Reggae Sumfest also ties in with the 'Summer Blockbuster' concept for the show, as T.I. has played roles in films like ATL, Takers and Identity Thief. He also produces his own reality series called TI & Tiny: The Family Hustle.
