TI’s Akoo Clothing Line

It’s been a long time since the last time we recommend AKOO Clothing for you, and now that T.I.’s back in the scene, from the looks of it the brand is getting cooler by the minute.  Its newest lineup consists of ultra cool military style combined with AKOO’s signature touches.

The first thing we think you should have from the new arrival is…

The AKOO Slickmeister tee ($30).  This looks like something that flew out of T.I.’s wardrobe, and may we say that the AKOO fox is looking sassy!  Complete your look with the AKOO Tracked Cotton Cardigan ($124) and turn the whole military theme around with a touch of preppiness.

But don’t go overboard with the whole preppy look, as we want to keep things in the military theme.  Get the AKOO False Cargo Pants ($104) and you’re set to hit the town.

If you’re feeling like adding a little touch, the AKOO Olympic New Era Snapback Cap ($42) will look great with the whole ensemble.

Since it’s a day after Cyber Monday, there are still leftover sale events everywhere around the world wide web.  If you’re shopping at DrJays, don’t forget to enter code 30ANY at checkout to get a 30% discount.  This Cyber Monday offer is extended up to December 1st, 12PM EST.  So hurry!

T.I. has only been free for about a week now and his schedule is fuller than ever.  Last week he hosted his homecoming brunch which will be held annually: The Annual AKOO Clothing Brunch in Atlanta.  In the ultra-exclusive event, Tip welcomed close friends and family and even mentioned his next fashion project: AQOO: A Queen Of Oneself, a sister line of his AKOO Clothing line.

After the brunch, Tip made his way onto the BET stage, and performed with Young Jeezy as surprise guest stars in the event.  And we can tell he misses the spotlight as TI also made a surprise appearance at the Taylor Swift concert in Atlanta.

Do you miss the King?  Here he is talking to Hot 107.9, accompanied by his son.

T.I. from IAmGwoods on Vimeo.

AKOO Clothing Line is throwing a fashion show for the very first time!  Okay, don’t get excited too quickly, because this is a very exclusive event held in an undisclosed location for select invitations only.

Jeff Belizaire, Director of Marketing at AKOO Clothing stated:

“We believe it is time for our premier contemporary clothing brand to have a fashion show presentation. We couldn’t be more honored to showcase the AKOO Clothing collection presentation during the prestigious New York Fashion Week”

If you want to be a part of AKOO’s history, head over to SoJones.com to watch the live streaming of the show.  It’s today, starting at 7.30 PM EST.

Have fun!

So last Wednesday we  jumped in joy because our man T.I. walked out of prison as he tweeted “The storm is over & da sun back out.” But we were so disappointed when we found out that the early release was abruptly cancelled.

Tip’s early release from an 11-month incarceration only lasted a day after he was taken back into custody Thursday after prison officials questioned his mode of transport from an Arkansas prison to an Atlanta halfway house.

Tip was originally expected to complete the last weeks of his sentence in a community center or halfway house in his hometown, Atlanta. CNN reported that Federal prison officials apparently objected T.I.’s use of a tour bus to travel from Arkansas to Georgia. It’s said that T.I. had agreed to provide his own transportation between the two locations but officials are reviewing if riding in the tour bus, escorted by several rivate SUVs violated his furlough agreement.

Steve Sadow, Tip’s lawyer told CNN:

“We are confident there was never any intent or reason to mislead or misstate the method of transportation. T.I. got on the bus in full view of BOP employees. If there was some confusion or misunderstanding surrounding the method of transportation, we hope to clear it up quickly so T.I. can return to the halfway house.”

T.I. didn’t take a tour bus for no reason. He was recording a new reality TV show to be aired by VH-1, which was announced just hours after his release. The series told a story about T.I.’s re-adjustments as a free man after being in prison for almost one year in Arkansas.

VH-1 stated:

“Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the most private and personal moments of one of today’s hottest, most sought after Grammy winning artists as he is reunited with his wife and kids and thrust back into society at this crucial juncture in his life.”

T.I. will not be out of prison until end of September.  Do you think Tip’s delay to freedom was really his fault?

Rapper B.o.B. joins the AKOO Clothing Brand troop as the brand’s newest ambassador. His debut single “Nothin’ On You” was released last year and propelled his talent into the bigger scene. Since then he has collaborated with many stars in the music industry and his partnership with AKOO is opening the door to the fashion world.

B.o.B’s fresh face in the industry has already proven his talent and marketability. His style is effortless and unlike other rappers, B.o.B. has an accessible image. If this were the nineties, he’ll be the perfect guy next door.

And that, is what AKOO Clothing Brand is all about. AKOO keeps things real, and represents what the contemporary generation is all about. Stylish without being snobbish and cool without being somebody else.

Do you think T.I. and the rest of AKOO gang pick the right ambassador?

Approaching his release on September, T.I. sent another message from prison to his fans.  Yes, Tip, we miss you too.

What up world? I appreciate the continued love and support that everyone has been giving me.

This chapter in my story will soon be coming to an end and I will be back in the flesh with you sooner than later.

In the meantime I want to give a special shout out to a few particular individuals that have been sending me letters, cards, comments, tweets and just overall holding me down.

A little loyalty goes a long way with me…I don’t do fake shit shawty.

So I can’t thank y’all enough for keeping it 1 thousand and as soon as I’m able I WILL RETURN THE FAVOR!!!

And that’s on PHIL!!! I love y’all and I’ll see you in September.

- KING

SHOUT OUTS:

OMG Girlz, Tameka, Pretty Hustle, Angie Martinez, DJ Enuff, DJ Infamous, Drake, J.Cole, Nipsy Hustle, Nelly, B.o.B, Killa Mike, Lil Book, Donnis, Rich Kid Shawty, Amare Stoudemire, DJ Drama, MLK, Greg Street, Maino, Mouse and Hustle Hard (Welcome Home 80!!!!). Also would like to shout out…

Deidra Collins / Memphis, TN, Kyrstal Greenwood / Gaithersburg, MD, Trevor Toodle / NC, Christopher Chizer / Houston, TX, Renee Mathews / Clinton, MD, Ronnie P / St. Louis, MO, SimoniaMeChelle / Memphis, TN, Justin Allen Garcia from the Phillipines, Ashley Smith / Birmingham, AL, Brunette /Jackson, MS, @lilmariahc, @bash_ti, @1stlaydi, @the_blueprint4, @jmuse821, @jstablishgohard, and @ladyflirty!

T.I. will be released September 29th.  Aren’t you excited?

Look who rocked a custom-designed AKOO Clothing suit at the 2011 BET Awards red carpet and stage back in June. Hosea Chanchez, star of The Game is the new celebrity ambassador of AKOO Clothing stood out of the crowd with his AKOO gear.

Ralph Reynolds, Creative Director of AKOO Clothing stated:

“I am so pleased with the outcome of the suit we designed. Some people say that the clothes makes the man, but in this case, the man and the clothes were in perfect harmony, both feeding off of the other’s strong traits and characteristics. Hosea’s swag and charisma were apparent at the BET Awards red carpet and stage.”

The AKOO suit was designed to be relaxed and versatile to complement Hosea Chanchez’s atheltic posture, yet classic to wow red carpet spectators.

Are you jealous?

It’s never too late to deliver good news, so we’re telling you now what went on with TI back on Memorial Day. So to keep it short and sweet: the King gave back. Yes he’s still stuck in the Forrest City Correctional Facility in Forrest City Arkansas, but he found that good deeds can be done from anywhere.

Tip sponsored a bus trip for the 46 family members of 14 fellow inmates to visit the prison so they can be with their loved ones on Memorial day weekend. The bus trip was titled “To See a Love One”, and TI sure felt he needed to do it. He said to MTV.com:

“I’ve been blessed to receive tons and tons of mail from my fans, family and friends, as well as get visits on a regular basis. Unfortunately some guys aren’t as fortunate. There are a lot of good dudes in here that haven’t been able to see there loved ones in years. Their families can’t afford the trip so I wanted to help out.”

Aaww… now that is one sweet boo you have, Tiny.

TI’s clothing line, AKOO, among his other businesses isn’t stopping either, although the King is still imprisoned. In fact, AKOO just launched the “Salute the King” campaign, which invites Tip’s celebrity friends such as Diddy, Nelly, Hosea Chancez, B.o.B. and all TI fans to upload video messages to www.salutetheking.com. You can find out more about TI in the website, browse video submissions, upload your own video and also download exclusive contents for free. Be on the lookout for in-store promotions as well.

Jeff Belizaire, Director of Marketing for AKOO Clothing stated:

“We’re providing the public with a positive and creative outlet to express their love and appreciation for TIP.”

So if you have something to say, go to www.salutetheking.com and send your love to the King!

May is the month for AKOO Clothing’s “Salute the King, Bring TI Back to the South” campaign. This month the brand will launch a viral video campaign where celebrity friends and fans of TI have an opportunity to record a 15 second video testimonial to TI personally and have TI respond to them.

This campaign is as awesome as it gets because it invites the public to have an opportunity to be up close and personal by giving them a positive and creative outlet to express their love and appreciation for TI.

Another news: AKOO will release its brand calendar with female pin-ups wearing AKOO during holiday 2011.

Now THAT is something to look forward to!

T.I.’s incarceration is now taking a toll on his business. At least that’s what the rumors say. Even worse, there are talks about his Grand Hustle Records shutting down. Jason Geter, Grand Hustle’s co-CEO denied the rumors in an interview with Billboard.com.

“Number one, Grand Hustle is definitely not dismantled, we unfortunately did downsize [on staff] and relocate. We’re doing business, just in a lighter way. A smarter way, due to our current situation.

We don’t have much business to do, not much going on, why pay people when unfortunately there’s not much going on? Same thing that the major labels are doing, it’s no different. Supply and demand, at the end of the day. It’s just the way of the business.”

Geter remarked that Grand Hustle’s relocation and downsizing was done with T.I.’s blessing.

“It’s no secret we’ve taken hits, back to back, with Tip’s absence [serving out his prison term]. We’re partners, we talk about everything, no matter if he’s in or he’s out. It’s Grand Hustle, so we communicate with one another.”

What about AKOO? Geter assured T.I.’s AKOO Clothing fans that the line is still going strong.

That is a relief!