Fans of T-pain, the rhythm and blues songwriter, rapper and music producer, were on the edge of their seats recently wondering if the hip-hop star was facing retirement, it was reported in an account on al.com
In fact, thoughts were running rampant after a June 2 Instagram post that included a video showing T-Pain looking pensive, along with text that said, “Been at this for 20 years. I’m talking it over with my family and team. Got a big decision to make. This might be it.”
Then, even more hints were dropped through a message that was attached to the post.
“I gave you all everything for 20 years,” said T-Pain, who is 40. “I’m grateful to each of you for making this such a great ride. Right now I just need some time to think about what’s next and what’s best for me.”
But it looks like T-Pain was only kidding, the story went on to reveal.
The very next day, T-Pain, who was born Faheem Rashad Najm, announced an upcoming fall tour, celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album, “Rappa Ternt Sanga.”
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The tour isn’t only a way to showcase his hits, but also to acknowledge his past and look toward his future, according to a news release.
“This tour is not just a celebration, it’s a thank you to everyone that was there in 2005 and to everyone now who’s just catching onto the wave,” T-Pain said in a statement. “It’s for the college kids that played my records at all those parties. It’s for those same people that are now parents and are putting their kids on to what they loved so much back in those days. It’s every karaoke night, every beat drop, every ‘T-Pain saved this song’ comment, every scream when I hit that stage. This isn’t just my story, this is our story. Because music doesn’t live in charts. It lives in people. Come celebrate the 20 years of T-Pain we’ve all gone through and the next 20 years that nobody’s ready for.”
FYI: “TP20 Tour” kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Manhattan’s Radio City Music Hall and runs through Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo.
Earthgang will be the opening act for several dates on the tour.
A LITTLE ABOUT T-PAIN
The report noted that T-Pain’s a native of Florida.
He made his last appearance in the Magic City in June 2024 at Avondale Brewing Co., where he played to a sold-out house as part of his “Mansion in Wiscansin Party” tour.
Perhaps most known for popularizing the use of Auto-Tune — a process that uses the pitch correction software to create electronica-styled vocals for hits such as “I’m Sprung,” “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’),” “Bartender” and more.
The account explained that T-Pain has had seven studio albums to his credit released from 2005 to 2023, as well as compilation albums, a soundtrack for “Freaknik: The Musical,“ mixtapes and more.
He’s earned two Grammy Awards and 13 Grammy nominations, as well as accolades from People’s Choice, Teen Choice, the Vibe Awards and more.
T-Pain also garnered fame as a go-to collaborator for other artists, performing on “Kiss Kiss’ by Chris Brown, “Shawty” by Plies, ”Got Money” by Lil Wayne, “Low” by Flo Rida, “Blame It” by Jamie Foxx and more.