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T.I. To Release Dr. Dre-Produced Single, “Dope”

blame it on JES7 May 14, 2016
tip-dope-preview

As technology continues to progress at a somewhat alarming rate, our favorite artists are finding themselves embracing new, innovative ways to promote and distribute their music — no longer at the mercy of such technological advances. It was only a little over a decade ago when mp3s were frowned upon with complete disdain. Now, creative tastemakers like Chance the Rapper, JAY Z and Beyonce are considered the supreme architects of a new paradigm shift on how, we, as consumers digest music.

While Chance is redefining the music business model by releasing his music for free (and subsequently launching talks on how the GRAMMYs should include music provided for free in their nominations), Bey and Jay are responsible for the advent of the “surprise album release” design — the latter going platinum in a day after pre-releasing Magna Carta Holy Grail through a botched, risky and controversial deal with Samsung.

Tip is the latest artist to welcome technology into the fold. With his tenth studio album, The Dime Trap arriving later this year, the recent Roc Nation signee has collaborated with Shazam for a pretty unique way to hear a preview of his new, upcoming song, “Dope.”

Slated to drop this Monday, “Dope” features production from Dr. Dre, as well as an appearance from the lovely Marsha Ambrosius. To get a small taste of the song, load up your Shazam app, snap a photo of the included artwork and place phone to ear.