New York Yankees Player Face of T.I.’s AKOO Clothing Line

New York Yankees baseball player Curtis Granderson has inked a deal to become the latest celebrity face of T.I.'s AKOO clothing brand.

The Yankees center fielder joins musical personalities B.o.B., Travis Porter, Meek Millz and DJ Drama, who have all appeared in promotional campaigns for the urban clothing line. Granderson will appear in both print and video ads and will be expected to make public appearances as well.

Jeff Belizaire, Marketing Director for AKOO Clothing, announced the company's newest recruit in a statement on the brand's blog. "We're honored to have Curtis Granderson join the AKOO family as he is a remarkable individual, athlete, author and broadcast commentator," Belizaire said in a statement. "He's a well-rounded role model who represents our overall brand's message."

AKOO -- which stands for A King of Oneself -- was founded by T.I. in 2008. In May 2010, following his release from jail, the Trap Muzik CEO launched a new ad campaign starring rapper Donnis, telling MTV News, "The direction of the clothing line, in my eyes, is upscale urban apparel. I just wanna continue to diversify. Continue to grow. Continue to speak to the cool kids of America. That's my idealistic outcome."

T.I. is currently behind bars in an Arkansas correctional facility, completing an 11-month sentence for violating his probation from a previous arrest. He will be released from jail on Sept. 29, 2011. T.I.'s sixth studio album, 'No Mercy,' was released during his current sentence on Dec. 7, 2010.