T.I. and Hustle Gang sign to Columbia Records

It has been a big week in hip-hop! Friday (Nov. 22) Columbia Records announced that rapper T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint has joined the team. This news comes days after Jeezy left Def Jam to ink a deal with Roc Nation.

According to Columbia, T.I. has already hit the studio with Timbaland and longtime collaborator DJ Toomp for an album, his ninth, which has been slated to drop in 2014.

CEO and chairman of Columbia Records, Rob Stringer, had this to say in a statement:

"We're very excited to welcome T.I. to the Columbia family. With his massive U.S. success and career history, we are going to make him an even bigger superstar on a global level."

Although he has a pretty impressive track record, rapping isn't the only thing T.I. has on his schedule. Earlier this year his VH1 show, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, aired its third season and he signed with United Talent Agency to handle his non-music ventures.

Tip spent a good portion of 2013 topping charts alongside Robin Thicke and producer Pharrell with his feature on Thicke's "Blurred Lines." With so much success from that track, it would only be right for Tip and Pharrell to collab again, right?

Well fans of the two are in luck. Pharrell is executive producing Tip's Columbia debut and was instrumental in hooking up the Grand Hustle/Columbia partnership.

Here's what T.I. had to say of his new deal:

"I'm honored to be partners with such a successful, passionate and creative conglomerate like Columbia Records. Nothing but love, respect & appreciation for [Sony Music CEO] Doug Morris, Rob Stringer, and the entire staff. Also, a special thank you to my big bruh, Sk8board P, for always believing in me."

Artists including B.o.B, Trae Tha Truth, Travi$ Scott, Killer Mike and OGs, 8Ball and MJG are also currently signed to Grand Hustle.

What do you think of T.I.'s new partnership?