T.I. likes to think of himself as a community statesman these days.

But back in the day, he was a hustler, and that was reflected in his bars.

Tip sat down for an interview with kid journalists Dilan and Zaria of Art & Raps and during the chat they made him uncomfortable by inquiring what he meant when he called himself Rubber Band Man.

"I had to ... I had to kind of fulfill my financial needs in the area of manufacturing and distribution of illegal pharmaceuticals," he stammered.

"Big words that we don't even understand," Dilan responded.

"Well, you know what. Don't even worry about it. Let's just say I had to keep my money in my pockets neat," Tip explained.

 Maybe he should have just said they're representing the struggle.