Hip hop star and actor T.I. is on board to help the Hawks rebound.

090509 Atlanta -- T.I. (left) and Jermaine Dupri greet before game 3 between Atlanta Hawks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Philips Arena in Atlanta Saturday, May 9, 2009 HYOSUB SHIN / hshin@ajc.com

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

As the team seeks to move past the controversy that erupted following racially insensitive comments by soon-to-be-former co-owner Bruce Levenson, the Grammy-winning performer and reality show personality, who also has a role in the currently filming "Ant-Man," has signed on to perform and also will help announce the players at the Nov. 1 home opener versus the Indiana Pacers.

“I think everybody needs to come out and make it their business to support the Hawks and support the city,” T.I. said in a statement. “I will be performing at the pregame show, the halftime and the postgame as well, all for the people who come to support my team, the Atlanta Hawks, and my city.”

The front office sounded a hopeful note: "We are beyond excited to partner with a superstar like T.I. and put on a first-class event to kick off the season and celebrate our city," CEO Steve Koonin said in a statement. "We can't wait to pound the Pacers and put on a show for the city of Atlanta like they've never seen before at a basketball game."

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