T.I. Says ATL 2 Can Happen + Kehlani Celebrates a Career Milestone

The Breakfast Club13mJune 3, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

T.I. dropped a major hint about a potential sequel to the cult classic ATL, revealing that a long-standing battle with studio executives over the film's cultural significance may finally be resolved. Speaking at the Roots Picnic, he emphasized that the original film's impact—surpassing box office expectations with limited support and becoming a defining coming-of-age story for a generation—proves its enduring relevance. He stressed that ATL 2 isn't just about nostalgia, but about capturing a moment in Black Southern culture that still resonates. Meanwhile, Kehlani celebrated a career milestone as her single "Folded" became the most-played radio single in history, a moment she still can't fully grasp. She announced a world tour where she’ll perform every song from her new album, a bold commitment that speaks to both her artistic integrity and her fans' loyalty. The episode captures a rare convergence of legacy, cultural impact, and artistic evolution, with T.I. and Kehlani both embodying the power of staying true to one’s roots while pushing forward. The conversation also highlights the emotional weight of artistic legacy—T.I. reflecting on how his music still moves generations, and Kehlani on how her music has become a shared emotional anchor for listeners. Corinne Bailey Rae’s performance at the festival was described as a spiritual experience, underscoring how music continues to heal and connect.

Key Takeaways
1

T.I. confirms ATL 2 is possible if studios finally recognize the film’s cultural legacy and value.

2

The original ATL film outperformed expectations, ranking #3 in its opening weekend despite limited marketing and competition from Ice Age.

3

Kehlani’s song "Folded" became the most-played radio single in history, a milestone she still can’t fully process.

4

Kehlani will perform every song from her new album on her upcoming world tour, a rare full-album commitment.

5

T.I. hasn’t used social media since 2003, choosing to stay detached from online noise to protect his creative focus.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
2:12
1 min

T.I. Reflects on 20 Years of ATL and the King Album

I think that people never thought that a film about, you know, ATL or Atlanta at that time would captivate so many hearts and minds of people out there. But I think that... It's probably one of the most significant coming-of-age stories of that generation.

Highlight
6:06
2 min

The Road to ATL 2: Creative Vision vs. Studio Resistance

It's really about finding the right executive that can either allow us to, you know, understand what's going on or that understands the purpose of it.

Highlight
21:43
2 min

Kehlani’s "Folded" Breaks Records and Launches a World Tour

We just broke the like the number one radio single like ever which is kind of crazy so there are things that are happening for me that have never happened for me before.

Highlight
13:52
3 min

Corinne Bailey Rae’s Spiritual Stage Presence

Bailey Rae opens up about her pre-performance ritual, using Tai Chi and visualization to connect with the audience and create a meditative, healing experience.

4:36
1 min

T.I. on Jay-Z’s Freestyle and Creative Freedom

T.I. defends Jay-Z’s right to express himself creatively, emphasizing that artists should be free to release what they need, even if it’s controversial.

High-Impact Quotes
Yeah, I mean we just broke the like the number one radio single like ever which is kind of crazy so there are things that are happening for me that have never happened for me before.
Kehlani22:32
So, I mean, it's really about finding the right executive that can either allow us to, you know, understand what's going on or that understands the purpose of it.
T.I.7:37
I think that people never thought that a film about, you know, ATL or Atlanta at that time would captivate so many hearts and minds of people out there.
T.I.6:45
Speakers

Host

Lauren LaRosa

Guests

T.I.KehlaniCorinne Bailey Rae
Topics Discussed
atl sequel95%kehlanis folded90%cultural impact of atl88%t.i. roots picnic85%world tour setlist commitment82%corinne bailey rae performance75%creative freedom in music70%t.i. social media detox65%
People & Brands

iHeartRadio

other

15xNeutral

T.I.

person

12xPositive

Lauren LaRosa

person

12xPositive

Roots Picnic

other

10xPositive

Kehlani

person

8xPositive

ATL

media

7xPositive

Corinne Bailey Rae

person

6xPositive

The King

media

5xPositive

Jay-Z

person

4xNeutral

Jason Weaver

person

3xNeutral

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