For the first time since revisiting his former moniker “Tip” on 2007’s T.I. Vs. T.I.P., the “Rubber Band Man” rapper is now sticking to the alias that started it all.

“It’s always been Tip, but we going back to the original.”

Talking to Big Von on 106 KMEL in the Bay Area, the “Check, Run It” rapper explained the decision, attributing it to evolution and the fans.

“It’s about time, for the fans [that] been here since I’m Serious and Trap Muzik and actually stuck with me while I ventured out into doing my “Blurred Lines,” the “Why You Wanna,” and “Whatever You Like.” But now it’s time to take some attention to them and I think [with] Tip, that’s the move.”

Besides taking it back for the fans, the name swap comes at a great time for Tip, who is prepping a project that will return to his street-tinged essence, called The Dime Trap. “[This is] my tenth album and I feel like I’ma dedicate it to the genre of music that got me here,” he assured.

To show just what he has in store for the upcoming project, slated for a fourth quarter release, the rapper served Da’ Nic, a 5-song EP released last night (September 10) on iTunes. Led by the single “Check Run It,” along with features from Young Thug and Young Dro, the EP is a warm-up for the soon-to-arrive LP. Stream Da’ Nic below.