Akintunde Abiodun Timileyin, better known as T.I Blaze, has long been the voice of the streets. His rise to fame was anything but conventional: the sleeper hit "Sometimes" (2021) simmered under the radar before exploding into a national anthem in 2022, thanks to its Olamide-assisted remix. That breakout moment set the stage for a relentless run—two projects in 2022 (The Fresh Prince of Lagos EP and El Major LP), a spot on TurnTable’s Top 100 Songs of 2022, and the wavy energy of 2023’s ‘Dangerous Wavy Baby.’

Continuing his yearly release output. He released ‘Shakur’ (Nov 2024), the album’s title pays homage to Tupac Shakur, but the parallels run deeper than nameplay. Like Pac, Blaze embodies the duality of street poetry: the grit, the glory, and the unshakable connection to the people who raised him. 

Now, five months later, T.I. Blaze returns with the deluxe edition of ‘Shakur,’ and it's clear: this is a work of growth and self-assured artistry. Rather than crowding the tracklist with unnecessary features, Blaze carefully selects collaborators or chooses to stand alone when needed. 

Unlike rushed re-releases bloated with filler, ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ is a masterclass in intentionality. Blaze doesn’t just add tracks; he curates an experience. Whether introspective ("Trenches Luv"), triumphant ("Jericho"), or unapologetically braggadocious ("Introduction"), each song serves a purpose. He knows when to stand alone—his raspy, melodic flow carrying the weight of his narratives—and when to collaborate (“Mario” remix ft. Arathejay). Strengthening the original project’s impact.

The result has seen ‘Shakur (Deluxe)’ dominate Nigeria’s Official Top 100 Albums chart for two consecutive weeks, silencing any doubts about his staying power.

What sets Shakur (Deluxe) apart isn’t just its chart success—it’s Blaze’s evolution as a storyteller. He brags, but never forgets the struggle. He celebrates luxury, yet roots it in the hustle. This balance between aspiration and authenticity is where he shines brightest.

If ‘Shakur’ was Blaze’s declaration, the deluxe is his coronation. No longer "the next Shakur," he’s T.I. Blaze: the people’s champ. And with this album, the streets aren’t just listening—they’re chanting along.