T.I. – About The Money ft. Young Thug

“About the Money” is a hypnotic, culture-shifting trap anthem by Atlanta rap pioneer T.I., featuring a star-making guest performance from eccentric rap innovator Young Thug. Released on June 3, 2014, as the lead single from T.I.’s ninth studio album, Paperwork, the track served as a massive artistic pivot, brilliantly bridging the gap between T.I.’s classic cinematic Southern lyricism and the strange, melodic trap wave reshaping Atlanta at the time.

Produced by the legendary London on da Track, the song is anchored by an iconic, mesmerizing instrumental driven by a bouncy, repetitive piano melody, snapping percussion, and heavy 808 bass. The production became a blueprint for mid-2010s Atlanta trap music.

Lyrically, the song is an unapologetic dedication to financial obsession, dedication to the hustle, and living a lavish lifestyle funded strictly by hard work and enterprise.

• T.I. delivers sharp, veteran verses that reaffirm his enduring street dominance and business acumen.
• Young Thug completely steals the spotlight with his unhinged, high-pitched warbles, elastic cadences, and instantly iconic opening hook (“About the money! / Yeah, we talkin’ about the money!”), a performance that many critics cite as his definitive breakout moment on a major commercial platform.

Accompanied by a distinct, high-fashion music video directed by T.I. and Alex Nazari—featuring the duo marching through a swampy, smoke-filled forest—”About the Money” was universally hailed by critics as one of the best songs of 2014. It stands out in T.I.’s legendary catalog as proof of his rare ability to adapt, recognize generational talent, and elevate the next wave of Atlanta hip-hop.