Q&A: T-Pain talks new book, embracing his musical legacy

NEW YORK — There may be a plethora of adjectives to describe music superstar T-Pain, but boring is never included. “So, I felt like why not do something that people can actually get something from?” The “Buy U a Drank” singer is transitioning from consumer to instructor with his new book, “Can I Mix You a Drink?” Co-written with professional cocktail expert and beverage executive Maxwell Britten, the book, which features gorgeous photos of cocktails on sleek black pages, is filled with 50 alcoholic drink recipes inspired by Pain’s music and career travels. “I Like Dat” has already hit 22 million views on YouTube, and you just dropped “I’m Cool With That.” T-Pain: It’s fun to not have to chase anything. AP: You’re independent, so were you surprised at the success of “I Like Dat?” T-Pain: Absolutely. T-Pain: The reason it’s called “Precious Stones” is because I feel like the world has been flooded with just the same white diamonds — like, white diamonds, meaning a metaphor as just the same kind of music all over the place.