TMZ Live

Colin Kaepernick's star power is bigger NOW than when he was playing football -- and he doesn't need the NFL's platform to be effective in his off-the-field mission ... so says T.I.

There are some people who believe without being on an NFL roster, people will lose interest in Kaepernick -- and he'll eventually become irrelevant and fade away.

But, not T.I. -- who appeared on "TMZ Live" and explained why Colin's more influential now than ever ... and suggested going back to the NFL might actually take his focus away from the social justice issues he's been tackling.

T.I.'s new album pulls inspiration from his real-life experiences -- good and bad -- in recent years, and he's hoping the music has a positive impact on his fans.

The rapper dropped a dime on "Dime Trap" ... telling us he's learned a lot lately about being a better man, and a better husband. Tip says he poured some of those lessons into what he calls his most honest and personal track ever ... "The Amazing Mr. F**k Up."

T.I. was also excited about the dope lineup of guest stars on the record, including collabs with Teyana Taylor, Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti and Meek Mill. They're all singing and rapping but, spoiler alert -- there's also a spoken word part with Dave Chappelle!

Kanye West has a perfectly good explanation for why his new, publicly-announced album didn't drop Saturday night, as he said it would -- and it all has to do with Africa.

Ye came on "TMZ Live" Monday and dropped a bombshell about his 9th studio album, "Yandhi." Fans were anxiously awaiting the release this weekend -- but he says that was scrapped because he's not done recording yet.

He says he's heading to Africa in the next couple weeks to complete the project. Just watch ... his excitement over the trip is palpable. As Kanye put it, he wants to draw inspiration and energy from the Earth there.

You can see the full interview on Monday's TMZ Live. Click here to find your local airtime.

BTW, 'Ye is already getting inspired here in our office ... well, just outside the office. Kanye and Teyana Taylor are shooting their "We Got Love" music video here, and it looks like it's gonna be dope. We'll have the finished product for ya on Tuesday.