T.I. | |
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 T.I. in 2024 | |
| Born | Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. (1980-09-25)September 25, 1980 (age 45)[1] Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1999–present[2] |
| Agent | Jason Geter[3] |
| Works | |
| Title | Co-founder ofA.K.O.O. Clothing,Grand Hustle,VisionMob, Club Crucial and V Live |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
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| Member of | |
| Website | officialti |
Musical artist | |
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Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. (born September 25, 1980),[1] known professionally asT.I. orTip, is an American rapper and songwriter. Born and raised inAtlanta, Georgia, Harris is credited as a pioneer of the hip hop subgenretrap music, along with fellow Georgia-based rappersJeezy andGucci Mane.[4] He first became acquainted with local music executiveKawan "KP" Prather, and joined his company Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment by the late 1990s. He was led to sign amajor-label record deal with its parent companyLaFace Records, an imprint ofArista Records in 1999. His debut studio album,I'm Serious (2001), was met with lukewarm critical and commercial reception, becoming his only release with the label. He then signed withAtlantic Records, where he soon reached his mainstream breakthrough and co-founded his own label imprint,Grand Hustle Records by 2003.[5][6]
Harris gained recognition following his high-profile guest appearance on fellow Atlanta-based rapperBone Crusher's 2003 single "Never Scared". His second album,Trap Muzik (2003), peaked at number four on theBillboard 200 chart and spawned theBillboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Rubber Band Man" and "Let's Get Away" (featuringJazze Pha). The following year, Harris guest appeared alongsideLil Wayne onDestiny's Child's hit single "Soldier", and capitalized on this with the release of his third album,Urban Legend (2004). His next three studio albums each debuted atop theBillboard 200; his fourth and fifth,King (2006) andT.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007) were met with continued success and led by theBillboard Hot 100-top ten singles, "What You Know" and "Big Shit Poppin' (Do It)", respectively.
Harris' sixth album,Paper Trail (2008), yielded his greatest commercial success. Earninggold certification by theRecording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for 500,000 in first-week sales, it also spawned twoBillboard Hot 100 number-one singles: "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" (featuringRihanna); the latter replaced the former atop the chart, and made Harris the first rapper to do so while occupying its top two positions. Following an eleven-monthincarceration, he released his seventh studio album,No Mercy (2010) to mixed reviews and a commercial decline. His eighth album,Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head (2012) was met with a dual rebound. Harris guest appeared alongsidePharrell Williams onRobin Thicke's 2013 single "Blurred Lines", which peaked atop theBillboard Hot 100, and did so in 22 other countries.
The following year, his contract with Atlantic expired; he signed withColumbia Records and enlisted Williams asexecutive producer for his ninth studio album,Paperwork (2014). As with his previous, it reached number two on theBillboard 200 and saw positive critical reception. The following year, he worked further with album collaborator and then-upcoming hometown nativeYoung Thug to form the short-lived hip hop collective,Bankroll Mafia. He then signed withJay-Z'sRoc Nation in 2016 to release hispoliticalUs or Else (2016–2017) extended play series and compilation album,We Want Smoke (2017); he later signed withEpic Records in 2018 to release his long-delayed tenth album,Dime Trap, in October of that year. His eleventh album,The L.I.B.R.A. (2020) was his first to be releasedindependently. His twelfth album,Kill the King was announced as his final, although its release slate remains unclear.
Harris, a threeGrammy Award winner, has been described as a leading figure inhip hop andSouthern hip hop during the 2000s. He has received 19 nominations for the award, as well as 12Billboard Music Awards, threeBET Awards, and twoAmerican Music Awards. Prominent industry artists have signed to T.I. through his Grand Hustle Records label since its formation, includingTravis Scott,B.o.B, andIggy Azalea. In his acting career, Harris has starred in the filmsATL,Takers,Get Hard,Identity Thief, and in theMarvel Cinematic Universe filmsAnt-Man andits sequel, as well as thereality television seriesT.I.'s Road to Redemption,T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, andThe Grand Hustle. As an author, he has published two novels:Power & Beauty (2011) andTrouble & Triumph (2012). By the end of the decade,Billboard ranked him the 27th best artist of the 2000s.[7]
Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. was born on September 25, 1980,[1] inAtlanta, Georgia, the son of Clifford "Buddy" Harris Sr. and Violeta Morgan.[8] He was raised by his grandparents in Atlanta'sCenter Hill neighborhood just offBankhead Highway and lived inBankhead.[9][10] His father lived in New York City, and he often went there to visit. Buddy suffered fromAlzheimer's disease and died from the disease in 2002.[11][12]
Harris beganrapping at age eight.[13] Hisstage name originally came from his childhood nickname "Tip", after his paternal great-grandfather.[14] He was once known as Rubber Band Man, a reference to the custom of wearing rubber bands around the wrist to denote wealth in terms of drugs or money.[15]
In 1996, T.I. befriended local rapperBig Kuntry King. Together they soldmixtapes out of the trunk of their car.Kawan "KP" Prather, a record executive, discovered T.I. and then signed him to his record label Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment.[16] Upon signing withArista Records subsidiary LaFace Records in 1999, he shortened his name from Tip to T.I., out of respect for Arista label-mateQ-Tip.[17] T.I. relays the situation as:
"We were both on Arista and we was trying to release my first album. The people who had to market, promote, and, you know, just spread the word on it communicated that it was somewhat difficult or confusing to have two Tips in one building. So out of respect and just the legendary reputation and career that preceded that situation, I definitely conceded. My problem, or conflict, at the time, was now this is what I've been called all my life, what do I change my name to? So, I guess, that began to hold my project up. 'What are we gonna call him?' You know what I'm saying? So at that point we had to come to some sort of a resolution. And KP, who signed me to LaFace, he just said, 'OK, look man, how about T.I.?' Cause on this one record I had, it was like, 'T-I-P.' I was like, 'Wait a minute, wait a minute. No. That was — you left out a letter still!' You know what I'm saying? He was like, "Well, listen man. You got something better?', 'No, I don't have — I don't have anything better.' 'Well, that's what we going with, man.' So it's kinda how it came about."[18]
T.I. released his debut album,I'm Serious, in October 2001 throughArista Records.[19] The album spawned the single of the same name featuringJamaicanreggae artistBeenie Man on June 26, 2001. The single received little airplay and failed to chart. The album featuresguest appearances from hisSouthern hip hop groupP$C,Jazze Pha,Too Short,Bone Crusher,Lil Jon,Pastor Troy andYoungBloodZ, as well asPharrell Williams of American record production teamThe Neptunes, who called him "theJay-Z of the South".[20]
Theproduction forI'm Serious, was handled by The Neptunes,DJ Toomp, Madvac and The Grand Hustle Team. Despite the album's guests appearances and production team, the album peaked at number 98 and only sold 163,000 copies in the United States.[21] Critics pointed to the fact that many of the tracks sounded the same and that a few were blatant rip-offs.[22] Other critics commented saying, "T.I. claims to be the king of the South, but fails to show and prove. He does, however, have potential. If his talent ever matches his confidence, he may be headed for stardom."[23]
Due to the poor commercial reception of the album, T.I. was dropped fromArista Records.[19] He then formedGrand Hustle Entertainment and began releasing severalmixtapes with the assistance ofDJ Drama. He resurfaced in mid-2003, appearing on fellow Atlanta-based rapper and former label-mateBone Crusher's hit single, "Never Scared". His mixtapes and mainstream exposure from "Never Scared", eventually recaptured major label attention and T.I. signed ajoint venture deal withAtlantic Records.[24][25]
T.I. released his second albumTrap Muzik on August 19, 2003, throughGrand Hustle Records. It debuted at number four and sold 109,000 copies in its first week.[26] It spawned the singles "24s", "Be Easy", "Rubberband Man" and "Let's Get Away". The album features guest appearances from8Ball & MJG,Jazze Pha,Bun B andMac Boney. It was produced by Jazze Pha,Kanye West,David Banner, Madvac andDJ Toomp. Upon its release,Trap Muzik received generally favorable reviews from most music critics, who generally regarded it as a major improvement over his debut album,I'm Serious. This includedComplex naming the album one of the classic albums of the last decade in 2012.[27] In February 2013, allhiphop.com placed it as #5 as the best southernhip-hop album of all time.
T.I. released his third studio album,Urban Legend, in November 2004. It debuted at number seven on the USBillboard 200, selling 193,000 copies in its first week.[26] The album'slead single, "Bring Em Out", which was produced bySwizz Beatz, was released in January 2005 and became T.I.'s first top ten hit, peaking at number nine on the USBillboard Hot 100. The second single "U Don't Know Me" peaked at number twenty-three on the USBillboard Hot 100. His third single "ASAP" reached number 75 on the US charts, number 18 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop charts and number 14 on the Rap chart. T.I. filmed a dual music video for "ASAP" and "Motivation". "Motivation" only made it to number 62 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart.[28] In 2004, T.I. was featured onDestiny's Child's hit single "Soldier", alongsideNew Orleans-bred rapperLil Wayne, which peaked at number three on the Hot 100 chart.[29]
In September 2005, T.I. teamed up with hisPimp $quad Click (P$C) cohorts,Big Kuntry King,Mac Boney, C-Rod andAK, to release P$C's debut studio album,25 to Life. The album, which was preceded by several self-released mixtapes by P$C, peaked at No. 10 on the USBillboard 200 chart. The album was supported by the lead single "I'm a King", which was included on thesoundtrack to the filmHustle & Flow, a collection released by T.I.'s label imprint Grand Hustle, under the aegis of Atlantic Records.
T.I.'s fourth album,King, debuted at number one on theBillboard 200 chart in the first half of 2006, selling 522,000 copies in its first week.[30] T.I. released "Front Back" and "Ride with Me" aspromotional singles prior to the release of the album. The singles garnered little attention. The album's lead single "What You Know" became ahit in the U.S. and helped promote not only the album, but alsoATL, the film T.I. starred in, that coincided with the album's release. The album also spawned the singles, "Why You Wanna", "Live in the Sky", and aremix of "Top Back", which was included on the Grand Hustlecompilation albumGrand Hustle Presents: In da Streetz Volume 4.King earned numerous awards and nominations including a Grammy Award nomination forBest Rap Album. He was featured on newly signed Grand Hustle artistYoung Dro's debut single "Shoulder Lean", which reached the top ten on the U.S. Hot 100 and #1 on the U.S.Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs andHot Rap Tracks.
"What You Know" won aGrammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance and was nominated forBest Rap Song at the49th Grammy Awards.[31] Also in 2006, T.I. collaborated withJustin Timberlake for "My Love", which proved to be a worldwide hit. It won aGrammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Timberlake at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards,[31] and won Best Male Hip-Hop Artist at the BET Awards for the second straight time. He then served as a featured performer on "We Takin' Over" byDJ Khaled, featuringAkon,Fat Joe,Rick Ross,Birdman andLil Wayne.
In 2006, T.I. received twoGrammy Award nominations forBest Song Collaboration ("Soldier" w/Destiny's Child & Lil Wayne) andBest Rap Solo Performance for "U Don't Know Me" at the48th Grammy Awards ceremony. In 2006 he won Rap Artist of the Year, Rap Album Of The Year, Rap Album Artist Of The Year, Rap Song Artist of the Year and Video Clip Artist of the Year on theBillboard Music Award and Best Male Hip-Hop Artist on theBET Awards.
T.I. released his fifth album,T.I. vs. T.I.P., on July 3, 2007. The lead single from the album was "Big Shit Poppin' (Do It)", which was produced byMannie Fresh and was released to radio stations on April 17, 2007. The second single, "You Know What It Is" featuringWyclef Jean, was released June 12, 2007.T.I. vs. T.I.P. sold 468,000 copies in the United States, according toNielsen SoundScan, and debuted at number one on theBillboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It was T.I.'s second chart-topper in a row:King opened at number one on the Billboard 200 with 522,000 copies in late March 2006.[32]
The album included guest performances fromJay-Z,Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean,Nelly, andEminem, and production by Eminem,Jeff Bass, Mannie Fresh,Grand Hustle,The Runners,Just Blaze, Wyclef Jean andDanja. Absent from this album's production lineup was T.I.'s longtime producer DJ Toomp and The Neptunes. In October 2007, T.I. released his third single, "Hurt", featuring Busta Rhymes and Alfamega.
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In early 2008, T.I. collaborated withMariah Carey on the "I'll Be Lovin' U Long Time" remix, peaking at number 58 on the U.S. Hot 100 and number 36 on theHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
While underhouse arrest, T.I. began writing lyrics down on paper for his sixth studio album.[33] The first official single from the album, titled "No Matter What", was released in April 2008. The music video was released in June 2008 on MTV'sFN Premieres. The officiallead single was "Whatever You Like", released in July 2008, and became the most successful single of his career up until that point, breaking the record for the highest jump to number one on theBillboard Hot 100, jumping from number 71 to number one and becoming T.I.'s first solo number one single on the chart. On YouTube, the video has a combined 333 million views, as of March 2024, split between a copy posted on T.I.'s andAtlantic Records' channels.[34][35]
The third single was "Swing Ya Rag" which featured vocals and production fromSwizz Beatz.[36] T.I. released his sixth album,Paper Trail, in September 2008. The title of the album refers to the lyrics he had written down on paper. Like many other rappers, T.I. abandoned this style of rapping after his debut albumI'm Serious by just memorizing lyrics. His representative explained that T.I. wanted to "take more time to really put something down [this time]".[37] The album debuted at number one on theBillboard 200 selling 568,000 copies in the United States.[38]
The second single from the album, "Swagga Like Us", featuringKanye West,Jay-Z andLil Wayne, debuted and peaked at number five on theBillboard Hot 100. With the third single "Live Your Life" featuringRihanna, and produced by Canei Finch and Just Blaze, T.I. broke his own record on theBillboard Hot 100 when it jumped from number 80 to the number one.[38] The fourth single "Dead and Gone", featuringJustin Timberlake, peaked at number two for five weeks on theBillboard Hot 100, eventually going on to be nominated during the52nd Grammy Awards for both "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" and "Best Rap Song".[39]
During the51st Grammy Awards, he was nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap Performance by a Duo Or a Group for "Swagga Like Us". "Remember Me", featuringMary J. Blige, was released digitally on July 7, 2009. It was the planned first single from the re-release of T.I.'s sixth studio album, "Paper Trail", but the re-release was eventually shelved. The single peaked at number 29 on theBillboard Hot 100. On October 6, "Hell of a Life" was released digitally and went on to peak at number 54 on theBillboard Hot 100. In 2009, T.I. appeared as himself on an episode ofKathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List. On the episode, he took the comedian toRoscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles in LA and gave her a lesson on how to "swagger".[39]
On November 21, 2008, T.I. testified in the murder trial of a member of his entourage and a close friend, Philant Johnson (1980–2006), who was murdered in a shooting that occurred after a post-concert party at a club in Cincinnati. T.I. has dedicated several songs to Johnson, from the single version of "Live in the Sky" to "Dead and Gone" where Johnson's grave can be seen in the video.[40]
On March 26, 2010, T.I. was released from ahalfway house where he had been serving the remainder of his prison sentence for weapons possession.[41] Soon after his release he was in the studio working on his seventh studio album titledKing Uncaged.[42]Jim Jonsin, the producer who previously worked with him on his single,"Whatever You Like" and R&B singerTrey Songz, were scheduled to work on the project.
T.I. made his first public appearance since prison, stepping out with then fiancéeTameka "Tiny" Cottle in support of herAlzheimer's research fundraiser "For the Love of Our Fathers" at Atlanta's Opera venue. "I am very well, very happy to be seen," said T.I., who joined Cottle onstage at the end of the benefit.[43] T.I. released a new promotional single titled "I'm Back" on March 8, 2010.[44] The single peaked at No. 44 on theBillboard Hot 100 charts.[45] Around this time, he made a featured guest appearance onDiddy-Dirty Money's single "Hello Good Morning", the single peaked at No. 27 in US and charted internationally in eight other countries.[46]
He made a guest appearance onLarry King Live on May 13, to discuss withLarry King about his nine-month prison term on federal gun charges and other topics.[47] T.I. released a promotional soundtrack single entitled, "Yeah Ya Know (Takers)" on May 24.[48] It peaked at number forty-four on theBillboard Hot 100 and number sixty-eight on the Canadian Hot 100.[45] T.I. released another promotional single entitled "Got Your Back" which featured AmericanR&B singerKeri Hilson and peaked at number thirty-eight in the US.[45] Later, T.I. made more featured single appearances such as Jamie Foxx's single "Winner", featuring Justin Timberlake, andDrake's single "Fancy", featuring Swizz Beatz. Both singles charted on the Billboard charts, peaking at the top 50.
Prior to the album's release, T.I. decided to release amixtape titledFuck a Mixtape. The move was somewhat controversial due to its title, with many feeling he was insulting the Mixtape format. T.I. has addressed the issue by stating that it was a response to all the people who told him to just focus on an album and not on a mixtape. T.I. further defended his decision to release a mixtape by saying: "I already have 60, 70 songs. A lot of these songs are period pieces that speak volumes to what's going on right now. If I hold onto them next year or the year after, they'll be dated, because my life will be in another direction. If I'm not gonna put it on the album — and they all can't make the album — then they might as well have another platform to present it to the world".[49]
On September 1, T.I. and his wifeTiny were arrested for drug charges.[50] On October 15, 2010, T.I. was sentenced to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of his probation. Following his arrest, T.I. scrappedKing Uncaged as the title for his seventh studio album and renamed itNo Mercy, due to his new prison sentencing. He then released the lead single from the newly titled album, "Get Back Up" featuring Chris Brown, on the same day that he was sentenced back to prison for violating the terms of his probation.[51] "Get Back Up" peaked at number seventy in the US.[45] T.I. began serving his sentence in November 2010 and his date of release was set to be September 29, 2011.[52]
No Mercy was released on December 7, 2010. The album peaked at number four in the US and it sold over 159,000 copies in its first week.[53] RIAA certifiedNo Mercy Gold with over 500,000 copies sold. His second and final single from the album was "That's All She Wrote" his second collaboration withEminem, and was released on December 19, peaking at number eighteen in the US.[45]
T.I. was nominated for two Grammy Awards forBest Rap Solo Performance for "I'm Back" andGrammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (Fancy with Drake and Swizz Beatz) at the53rd Grammy Awards. He was nominated for aSoul Train Music Award for Best Hip Hop Song of the Year, for "Got Your Back" and he earned threeBET Hip Hop Awards nominations for Hustler of the Year, Made You Look Award, and Best Club Banger for "Hello Good Morning".
In early June 2011, T.I. said in a letter: "I'll be releasing a record in the near future (couple of weeks tops) to hold y'all over til I get back in action." On June 30, 2011, a new song was released onto T.I.'s official website and on his official YouTube channel – titled "We Don't Get Down Like Y'all", which features fellowGrand Hustle rapperB.o.B on the hook. While commenting on the song, T.I. said in another letter; "It's a song that I did soon after my release last time. What inspired me to write this record was the differences in how we do us and how they do them suddenly became incredibly evident in just a very short period of time." It was originally only available onAtlantic Records's online store.[54][55][56] The song was available on iTunes and other vendors, such as Spotify on August 9 and it peaked at No. 78 in the US.
After being released from prison in August 2011, T.I. signed a deal withVH1 for a new reality show that will follow him as he re-adjusts to life as a free man after the incarceration. He announced that he was working on a novel entitled,Power & Beauty, which was set to be released in October 2011.[57]
On September 30, 2011, T.I. released "I'm Flexin'", the first promotional single from his upcoming eighth studio album. The song features vocals and production fromBig K.R.I.T. T.I. reunited withYoung Jeezy on "F.A.M.E." for Jeezy's albumTM103.[58][59] "I'm Flexin" peaked at number sixty-six on theBillboard Hot 100, while "F.A.M.E." peaked at number sixty-seven on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B chart. On October 18, T.I. made appearances onThe Howard Stern Show andThe View to promote his new novel,Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets and discuss other issues involving his time in prison. Later that day, he released the second promotional single, "Here Ye, Hear Ye" featuringPharrell Williams under the aliasSk8brd.[60][61][62]
After his release from prison, T.I. appeared on severalremixes including; "Spend It" by2 Chainz, "Sleazy" byKesha, "Niggas in Paris" withJay-Z andKanye West, "Hard White (Up in the Club)" byYelawolf also featuringSlaughterhouse, "Ima Boss" byMeek Mill alongside a freestyle overDrake's "Headlines", andLil Wayne's "She Will". He was also featured on southern rapperFuture's second single "Magic", taken from his debut studio albumPluto, which was the first song he hopped on after his release from prison according to Future.
T.I. revealed the title of his eighth studio album to beTrouble Man. The title was partly inspired byMarvin Gaye's1972 song of the same name, he revealed onBillboard. In a previous interview withRolling Stone; he said he was debating between two titles,Trouble Man andKill the King. The third promotional single "Pyro", was released on November 21.[63]
In preparation for the album, T.I. released a mixtape entitled,Fuck da City Up on New Year's Day. Two songs off the mixtape charted on theBillboardHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, "Popped Off", featuring vocals and production fromDr. Dre and "This Time of Night" featuringNelly, respectively.[64]
While on set for the "Strange Clouds" music video,MTV interviewedB.o.B and confronted him of a rumor that he and T.I. are working on a collaborative album. B.o.B responded: "The joint album, it actually started as a joke. Tip would always refer to me as 'the Martian', and in one of his lyrics, he said, 'It's the man and the Martian,' and we said, 'Man that could be an album title.' We kinda just played around with it. But it seems to be taking form in a very organic way."[65] On December 1, 2011, B.o.B appeared on New York City'sHot 97 radio station and confirmed that he and T.I. are indeed working on a collaborative album titledThe Man and the Martian.[66][67]
On March 1, 2012, T.I. announced his signing ofIggy Azalea,Chipmunk andTrae Tha Truth toGrand Hustle Records.[68][69] He served asexecutive producer for Azalea's debutextended play,Glory (2012), and guest appeared on its lead single "Murda Bizness", which premiered March 26, 2012.[70] On March 30, T.I. released asnippet of "Love This Life",Trouble Man's promotional single, produced by Mars of 1500 or Nothin'. The song was released on April 2, and peaked at number 81 on theBillboard Hot 100.[71]
T.I. guest appeared on Jamaican singerSean Kingston's 2012 single "Back 2 Life (Live It Up)". The song sampledSoul II Soul's 1989 hit "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)".[72] The song peaked at number 52 on theCanadian Hot 100. During his visit toAngie Martinez's radio show, he revealed that the album will be released on September 4. He recorded collaborations withTrey Songz andUsher."It's just a dope, dope collabo". "Usher and Tip, two Atlanta natives,"Rico Love told Rap-Up.com."This time I finally feel like they got a record that's gonna be a humongous hit." T.I.'sVH1 reality showT.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle was renewed for a second season, which aired on September 3.[73] T.I. released another promotional song offTrouble Man on May 15, entitled "Like That".[74] T.I. appeared on Trey Songz's second single off his albumChapter V titled "2 Reasons".[75] The song peaked at number forty-three in the US. Another promotional single offTrouble Man, entitled "Go Get It" was released on July 17. The song peaked at number seventy-seven and number eighty-six in Canada.
In September, T.I. appeared on106 & Park to promote his book "Trouble & Triumph", a sequel to his previous novel "Power & Beauty". During his visit, he announced a new release date for his album set for December 18. He revealed that the album will feature collaborations from Pharrell,André 3000,CeeLo Green,R. Kelly, Lil Wayne, andASAP Rocky. He also stated that he's working on a women's clothing line fromA.K.O.O. He later released a new song "Trap Back Jumpin'", which he premiered during his visit on Angie Martinez's radio show.[76][77] On October 9, 2012, T.I. was featured on the annualBET Hip Hop Awards cypher, alongside his Grand Hustle artistsIggy Azalea,B.o.B,Chip andTrae tha Truth.[78]
A song titled "Ball", was released on October 16, as thelead single from his upcoming eighth studio album. The song featured fellow AmericanrapperLil Wayne and wasproduced by American record producerRico Love, alongside Earl & E.[79] The song peaked at number fifty in the US and number fifty-eight in the Canada. On October 23, he previewed twelve tracks from the album at its listening party in New York City, and also revealed their titles. The tracks previewed feature artists such asKendrick Lamar.[80]
In the following month, T.I. leaked the illustrated cover art from his newly named album entitled,Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head along with the track list and a few newly added features from the album. T.I. explained, "I think it's a lot more urban thanPaper Trail, and less apologetic thanNo Mercy. I think it's more diversified thanT.I. vs. T.I.P. though. It's got a lotta heart, it's got a lotta edge. It's a creative album. It's probably harder than most of the shit that's coming out right now."[81] "Sorry" featuring Andre 3000 was released as the fifth promotional single via iTunes on November 27.[82] "Sorry" peaked at number 36 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Then "Hello" featuringCeeLo Green was released to iTunes on December 11 as the sixth promotional single.[83][84] The album debuted at number two on the USBillboard 200, with first-week sales of 179,000 copies in the United States.[85][86] As of September 2, 2013, it has sold 502,000 copies.[87]
Shortly beforeTrouble Man: Heavy Is the Head was released, T.I. announced he would release the sequel as his next album, titledTrouble Man II: He Who Wears the Crown. The sequel is due to T.I. recording more material than needed, being cited by T.I. as much as 120 songs.[88] In early January 2013,B.o.B announced an upcoming Grand Hustlecompilation album titledHustle Gang.[89][90] On January 18, 2013, it was announced T.I. drew a close to his 10-year contract with Atlantic records the month before, after releasingTrouble Man: Heavy Is the Head.[91] It was reported he proposed a $75 million deal for any label that wants to provide a home for him and his imprint.TMZ reported that T.I. has drawn up the details, which include "3 albums, 10–20 percent of publishing, touring, merchandise, film and TV rights, corporate endorsement deals, as well as exclusive signing of all Grand Hustle artists".[91] T.I. was also allegedly being coaxed by some of the biggest names in the industry. There were reports thatJay-Z was looking to sign T.I., hoping to add him to theRoc Nation roster. T.I. also had an exclusive dinner at Katana withDr. Dre, who is thought to have proposed anInterscope signing the rapper. T.I. had also met withSony, who offered him $50 million, and spoke with Universal later that week.[91]
In February 2013, T.I. revealed he chose "Hello", as the third official single fromTrouble Man: Heavy Is the Head.[92] According to T.I., the CeeLo Green-featured song was selected due to its heavy radio play. On March 8, 2013, T.I. toldRap-Up that he was already 60–70% completed withTrouble Man II: He Who Wears the Crown.[93] He also spoke on the Grand Hustle compilation,Hustle Gang, which B.o.B announced earlier in January.[89][93] In March 2013, T.I. revealed he would soon be filming the music video for "Hello".[93] On March 19, 2013, T.I. performed "Hello" onJimmy Kimmel Live!.[94] In March, T.I. andB.o.B filmed the music video for "Memories Back Then", a song featuringKendrick Lamar and Kris Stephens. The song, which was recorded forTrouble Man: Heavy Is the Head, originallysampled "Somebody That I Used to Know", as performed byGotye. T.I. said toRap-Up. Although the track failed to appear onTrouble Man, due to sample-clearance issues, it was released as the lead single from theHustle Gang compilation album.[95][96]
On March 26, 2013, T.I. appeared alongsidePharrell, on Robin Thicke's lead single "Blurred Lines" from hisalbum of the same name. The song quickly became a worldwide hit and peaked at number one on theBillboard Hot 100, making it T.I.'s fourth number one Hot 100 single. The song has also reached number one in 13+ countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany.[97][98] In March 2013, Lil Wayne announced T.I. would be co-headlining the secondAmerica's Most Wanted Tour. T.I. explained that the tour would begin on July 5 and go through September 1, 2013.[99] American rappersFrench Montana and 2 Chainz, were later confirmed to join the tour, among others.[100][101] The firstAmerica's Most Wanted Tour, had taken place five years prior and featuredYoung Jeezy,Soulja Boy,Pleasure P,Jeremih andYoung Money.[102] On May 21, 2013, T.I. released a single titled "Wit Me" featuringLil Wayne. The song was released in promotion for the tour and peaked at number 80 on the Hot 100 chart.[103][104]
In a July 2013 interview, with Power 98 FM, T.I. spoke on his then-upcoming album,Trouble Man II: He Who Wears the Crown. While he didn't reveal many album specifics, he did promise a project that would make whoever decides to distribute the album very "happy": "I've been working on this one since the last one dropped. I haven't decided exactly where I'm going to take [the new album] yet as far as a company for distribution, but wherever I take it, there's going to be some happy people in that building."[105] In September 2013, T.I. was featured throughout Lil Wayne's twelfth solo mixtapeDedication 5. On September 1, 2013, it was revealed that T.I. would be featured on American pop starLady Gaga's albumARTPOP, on the song "Jewels n' Drugs", alongside fellow American rappersToo Short andTwista. Another pop star,Britney Spears, later announced T.I. would appear on her song "Tik Tik Boom", from her eighth studio albumBritney Jean (2013). T.I. was also featured on British singerCher Lloyd's single "I Wish", which was released in September 2013.[106]
On November 22, 2013, T.I. announced that he had signed a deal withColumbia Records, to release his upcoming ninth studio album.[107] T.I. later clarified the deal is solely for his ninth album.[108] T.I. revealed he recruited Pharrell Williams, who was influential in his move to Columbia, to executive produce the LP, with plans to release the album in early 2014.[109] In December 2013, T.I. revealed although he had originally planned to releaseTrouble Man II, since getting into the studio with the album's executive producer, Pharrell Williams, he had a change of heart. He stated: "Since we started working on the project and the project started has taken a different shape, I think we're going to postpone that title. We're gonna rework that. I got a couple of things in mind." He still plans to release the sequel toTrouble Man, however, he said: "All I'ma say is, it's gonna be a motion picture, it's gonna be a theatrical-worthy title. Something that will definitely seem instant classic. I'm thinking something like 'Trap Champion', 'Paperwork,' but whatever it is the subtitle will be 'The Motion Picture'."[110] On December 16, 2013, it was reported that T.I. decided to name itPaperwork.[111]
On May 9, 2014, T.I. released a music video for a song titled "Turn It", in promotion forPaperwork.[112] On June 3, 2014, T.I. released a song titled "About the Money", via digital distribution.[113] The song, which serves as the first single fromPaperwork, features up-and-coming Atlanta-based rapperYoung Thug. The music video for "About the Money", directed by T.I. and Kennedy Rothchild, was released on June 2, 2014.[114] On June 17, 2014, T.I. release the second single fromPaperwork, a song titledNo Mediocre, which was produced byWest Coast hip hop producerDJ Mustard and features a guest verse from his then protegeIggy Azalea.[115] Since its release "No Mediocre" reached number 33 on the Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.
On August 20, 2014, one day after speaking out on America in his onlinetreatise aboutFerguson, Missouri, in the wake of the fatal policeshooting of Michael Brown, T.I. released a new song titled "New National Anthem". The song, which features vocals from American singer-songwriterSkylar Grey, includes socially conscious lyrics centered on racism and injustice.[116][117] On September 23, 2014,Paperwork was made available for pre-order with "New National Anthem" as the "instant gratification track". Also on September 23, the official audio for "New National Anthem" was released via T.I.'s officialVevo account.[118]
T.I.'s ninth album,Paperwork, was released on October 21, 2014,. Upon its release, the album debuted at number two on the USBillboard 200, with first-week sales of 80,000 copies in the United States.[119]Paperwork received generally positive reviews frommusic critics. AtMetacritic, which assigns anormalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received anaverage score of 69, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on ten reviews.[120]
On March 11, 2015, T.I. released a single titled "Project Steps".[121] On March 24, 2015, T.I. announced his tenth album would be titledTrap's Open.[122][123] In a June 2015 interview, T.I. revealed his tenth studio album was completed and awaiting release.[124] He also announced he was working on a project as part of thehip hop collectiveBankroll Mafia, alongsideShad da God andYoung Thug, among others.[124] On June 26, 2015, T.I. released the music video for the single "Project Steps" and announced his tenth album's new title would beThe Dime Trap.[125][126][127] In July 2015, T.I. revealedThe Dime Trap was being mixed and mastered; he also added that "It is a lot more urban, a lot more edgy, a lot more unapologetically ghetto thanPaperwork".[128][129]
In promotion for the album, T.I. unexpectedly released anextended play (EP) titledDa' Nic, on September 11, 2015. The EP contains five songs, including the singles "Project Steps" and "Check, Run It".[130][131] The five-track project, which includes features from Young Thug and Young Dro, as well as production from Jazz Feezy, Sho Nuff,League of Starz,London on da Track andMars, was launched independently. It was released through San Francisco'sEmpire Distribution and T.I.'s King Inc. imprint,[132] marking T.I.'s first everindependent release.[133][134] During this period, T.I. reverted to his previous pseudonym, Tip.[135]
On September 18, 2015, T.I. announced his departure from Columbia Records. In an interview with HitsDailyDouble.com, he addressed his situation: "Having just exited my deal at Columbia, I was a rogue artist, busting creativity, just waiting to put music in the marketplace, so while I'm sorting out my next situation, I'm blessed enough to be able to control my destiny and put music out as quickly as I want to, and was able to release a Tip album, which I had wanted to do for a long time."[136][137][138]
In October 2015, in an interview withMTV News, T.I. said: "This is a perfect time to be able to call myself what I've always been known as [Tip]. Being called T.I. is very weird. It's kinda awkward to be famous for a name that you've never been called before in your life. If you want me to know that you don't know me, call me T.I. It's the weirdest most awkward thing."[139] During the interview he also spoke on the benefit of not having to deal with a major label and how he couldn't have releasedDa' Nic if he wasn't independent.[140]
On February 22, 2016, before his "pop-up performance" at Greenbriar Mall in his hometown of Atlanta, T.I. announced he signed a distribution deal with Jay Z'sRoc Nation forThe Dime Trap. T.I. also revealed he is one of the new co-owners of online streaming service,TIDAL.[141][142]
T.I., in collaboration with a number of southern rappers, who are collectively known asBankroll Mafia, released aneponymous album on April 22, 2016.[143] On May 16, 2016, T.I. released a single titled "Dope" which was produced byWest Coast hip hop record producerDr. Dre.[144] On May 26, 2016, four people were shot before T.I. took the stage atIrving Plaza at his scheduled concert in New York City. One of the victims died later at a hospital.[145][146] In early July 2016, T.I. reiterated that he would like to be known as Tip, moving forward in his career: "We made a conscious decision to have a lot more faith in the [label] operations of our art early on. But right now, just to be able to [go by Tip] and have it be significant and have people still care about the music being released, it's incredibly flattering. I'm humbled, I appreciate all the love."[147][148]
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On July 22, 2016, during an interview withEbro in the Morning onHot 97, T.I. announced an EP titledUs or Else. The EP "will be aimed at supporting the#BlackLivesMatter movement, and will speak explicitly about the twisted roadrace relations took in America to arrive at its current precarious state."[149][150][151] On August 6, 2016, T.I. released the first single forUs or Else, a song titled "We Will Not", in response to the turmoil caused by the injustices going on in America, namelypolice brutality following the deaths ofPhilando Castile andAlton Sterling.[152][153] On August 31, 2016, T.I. released a new song offUs or Else, titled "War Zone", exclusively through TIDAL.[154][155]Us or Else was released exclusively throughTIDAL on September 23, 2016, by Grand Hustle Records andRoc Nation. The EP, which was T.I.s first project under Roc Nation, reached number 175 on the USBillboard 200 chart.
On December 16, 2016, without prior announcement or promotion,[156] T.I. releasedUs or Else: Letter to the System.[157] The project, which was also initially released exclusively through TIDAL, featuresguest appearances fromQuavo,Meek Mill, RaRa,Big K.R.I.T. andKiller Mike, as well asproduction handled byNottz,Mars of1500 or Nothin' andMike & Keys, among others. In January 2017, it was announced T.I. would host the fifth annual Global Spin Awards.[158] In an October 2017 interview withHipHopDX, when asked about Grand Hustle Records' upcoming albums, T.I. answered with: "We Want Smoke is out, and then Translee is coming out on November 27, and Booke is October 27, and you can wait until December 18 for mine. Just know that whenever you see The Chief [logo] on the project, it's gonna be absolute pandemonium."[159]
In February 2017, during an interview withThe Breakfast Club radio show, T.I. revealed he would retire from making music after three more solo albums: "I'm ready to get the hell outta here, though. I got, like, two, I got, this next album and two, I got three more albums in my head, conceptualized. Once I get them out, I'm done. [Jeezy album?] We're still doing it. … [The next albums?] The next one is more like trap music. It'sTrap Muzik 2017. And the one after that, it's gonna be more like a, uh, love as it pertains to a dope boy. And the one after that, that's my final album. It's calledKill the King. The last album isKill the King. Simply because ever since my first album, I've put the title of 'King of the South' on me and to make yourself theking is to make you a target. And inchess, the object is to kill the king. SoKill the King is the title of my last album. Will they kill him or will he ride into the sunset happily ever after?"[160]
In May 2017, in an interview withXXL, when asked about collaborative albums, T.I. answered "Man, I actually have a few of them. Me andJeezy, we were supposed been did this a while ago. The project was gonna be called,Dope Boy Academy, and we did like three or four songs, but we just gotta get back in and put it together. We just want to present it correctly. Also, me and [Young]Dro was talking about doing one. I think we was gonna call itSophisticated Excellence or something like that…something he came up with. Me andB.o.B was supposed to do one calledThe Man and the Martian. I'm open to all collaborations. Me andTrey Songz were supposed to do one too calledThe Lady Killers. All those of these projects could very well come into fruition."[161]
On October 16, 2020, T.I. released his eleventh studio album,The L.I.B.R.A.. The album marked his first not to be released by amajor label and peaked at number 18 on theBillboard 200.
On June 9, 2021, T.I. announced on social media that he was working on his next album,Kill the King, which will be his final album. On May 10, 2024, T.I. released a single entitled "LLOGCLAY," with rapperYoungBoy Never Broke Again.[162]
A dispute withLudacris started when T.I. sawDisturbing tha Peace rapperI-20's video. In the video, a man wearing a shirt which said "Trap House" was being beaten. T.I. mistook the logo to refer to "Trap Muzik".G-Unit artistYoung Buck asked fellowSouthern rappers T.I. and Ludacris to appear on his new record on the track "Stomp". T.I. recorded a verse which contained a line that Young Buck considered to be an underhanded snub towards Ludacris: "Me gettin' beat down? / That's ludicrous." Young Buck spoke to Ludacris about the verse, to maintain his neutrality in the controversy. Ludacris then recorded the verse that can be found on the album.[163] T.I's record company wanted Ludacris to change his verse before they sanctioned it but Ludacris refused and T.I. was therefore replaced byThe Game on the album version.
On June 24, 2007, at the Sunset Tower Hotel inWest Hollywood, California, T.I. was involved in a brawl during a luncheon held by Kevin Liles of Warner Music Group (parent company of T.I.'s label, Atlantic Records) with Ludacris' manager Chaka Zulu. According to witnesses, T.I. punched Zulu in the face and choked him and a brief melee ensued.[164] While accepting the award for Best Hip-Hop Artist at the 2007BET Awards T.I. apologized for the incident, saying "they say it's a fine line between brilliance and insanity," in an apparent reference to his troublesome alter ego, T.I.P. During the broadcast, cameras showed Ludacris smiling in the audience. The audience stood up and applauded T.I.[165]
The two rappers have since resolved their dispute and have collaborated on two songs, "Wish You Would" on Ludacris' sixth studio album,Theater of the Mind, and "On Top of the World" on T.I.'s sixth studio album,Paper Trail. The original version of the latter featuredKanye West.
While T.I. was incarcerated in 2004, another popular southern rapper,Lil Flip, took issue with him over his "King of the South" claims which launched a much publicized feud. In an October 26, 2004 interview withHipHopDX.com, T.I. said he'd heard comments about Flip's "lyrical ability" for a long time but toldmusic journalistBayer Mack he didn't speak on it because he "wasn't raised like that". T.I. said he was also upset Lil' Flip waited until his incarceration to criticize him.[166] According toAllHipHop,[167] T.I. andLil' Flip had an altercation in Lil' Flip's neighborhood, theCloverland section of Houston. It has been said that T.I. went there to create a DVD exposing Lil' Flip to be a fraud. When T.I. went to Cloverland with his entourage, he was met by Flip and his people. Then it was said a fight broke out with one of the members of Lil Flip's entourage started swinging at T.I. until one of T.I.'s bodyguards started shooting. The same day T.I. went on aHouston, Texas radio station talking about the altercation. He revealed that he had the tape and he was going to release it with an upcoming mixtape, but that did not happen becauseJames Prince stopped him from distributing the tape. It is unknown whether T.I. still has the tape or not. The feud was squashed by Rap-a-Lot's Prince after having them sit down and resolve their feud. The feud was documented by theHouston Press,[168] and extensively in the 2005 rap music docoBeef 3.[169]
In 2008, T.I. was involved in a highly publicized feud withShawty Lo. The feud was characterized by Shawty Lo's track "Dunn Dunn", and T.I.'s reply in "What Up, What's Haapnin". The song "Dunn Dunn" appears to question T.I.'s roots in Bankhead. The music video for "What Up, What's Haapnin" was shot in Shawty Lo'shousing project Bowen Homes, an apparent insult towards Shawty Lo. In an interview, T.I. insisted that his song "No Matter What" was only partially aimed at Shawty Lo.[170]
The feud reached its climax at the November 2008Dirty Awards where the entourages of both artists clashed during the ceremony, forcing it to be shut down.[171] Two incidents forced police to usepepper-spray and evacuate the audience.[172]
The feud was publicly squashed on March 7, 2009, when Shawty Lo and T.I. appeared on-stage together at Club Crucial inBankhead, for T.I.'s farewell concert.[173][174] After this performance, T.I. gave an interview toMTV, in which he stated that the feud with Shawty Lo was exaggerated by the media, and was not a 'beef'.[175]
In 2006, T.I. starred in his first film,ATL, which was loosely based on his life growing up inAtlanta and attending a skating rink called "Cascade". The other cast members includedLauren London,Antwan Patton,Evan Ross,Mykelti Williamson,Jason Weaver andKeith David.ATL, which was written by Tina Gordon Chism andAntwone Fisher, was produced by Timothy M. Bourne,Tionne Watkins andWill Smith, and was directed byChristopher Robinson. T.I. played the character Rashad Swann, an orphaned 17-year-old senior in high school. In its opening weekend, the film grossed a total of $11.5 million, ranking third in the United States box office, and went on to gross $21.2 million.[176] In 2007, T.I. appeared in his second feature-film, the biographical crime filmAmerican Gangster, as Stevie Lucas, the nephew of drug kingpin Frank Lucas.[177]
In 2010, T.I. starred in the crime action thriller filmTakers as Delonte "Ghost" Rivers. The film, directed byJohn Luessenhop, was produced byWilliam Packer,Michael Ealy, Tom Lassally, Jason Geter,Gary Gilbert and T.I. himself. The film was released on August 27, 2010, through Grand Hustle Films and Rainforest Films, distributed byScreen Gems. The cast includesChris Brown,Idris Elba,Matt Dillon,Paul Walker,Hayden Christensen andZoe Saldana.Takers debuted at number one at the American box office at $20.5 million in its opening weekend.[178] T.I. starred in the 2013 crime comedy filmIdentity Thief, appearing as a criminal named Julian, alongside actressGenesis Rodriguez.
In 2015, T.I. starred inGet Hard alongsideWill Ferrell andKevin Hart, and appeared as himself in theEntouragemovie. He co-starred inMarvel's filmAnt-Man, starringPaul Rudd,[179] and its sequel,Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018).[180] In October 2015, it was reported T.I. signed a talent holding/development deal withWarner Bros. Television.[181]
In 2009, T.I. created a reality show, which aired onMTV, titledT.I.'s Road to Redemption. The series, focusing on the 45 days before rapper T.I.'s March sentencing, hoped to encourage teenagers to avoid spending a life of crime by showing seven teenagers that there is another way.
On December 5, 2011, T.I.'s new reality showT.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle premiered onVh1, after the first full episodes wereleaked onto the internet.[182]
On July 19, 2018BET premiered a show titledThe Grand Hustle featuring T.I. BET described the show as "Grammy-winning recording artist/entrepreneur Tip 'T.I.' Harris is looking to expand his Grand Hustle business empire, so he is on the hunt for a highly skilled executive to join the team. Set in Atlanta, this reality competition series features 16 men and women competing in various challenges for the coveted position, with a six-figure salary, within Tip's multimillion-dollar company, which he built from the ground up. The hopefuls serve up big deals and even bigger doses of drama each week, en route to one being crowned the Grand Hustler."[183][184][185]
T.I., alongsideChance the Rapper andCardi B, appeared as a judge forNetflix'sRhythm + Flow, a 10-part hip-hop talent search that aired in 2019.[186]
T.I. has served as anexecutive producer for several projects other than his own, including New Orleans–based rapperB.G.'s tenth albumToo Hood 2 Be Hollywood (2009), Atlanta-based rapperB.o.B's debut albumThe Adventures of Bobby Ray (2010) and Australian rapperIggy Azalea's debut EPGlory (2012), among others. In 2005, T.I. executive produced thesoundtrack to the filmHustle & Flow, releasing the collection through his record label, Grand Hustle.[187][188] T.I. hasproduced several song recordings, including forMariah Carey,Cassidy,Rick Ross,Maino,B.o.B,Yung Joc,Young Dro and himself.[188]
T.I. served as aghostwriter and assisting songwriter for several artists, such asBow Wow,Sean "Diddy" Combs,Dr. Dre,Bun B andKeyshia Cole. In 2009, T.I. formed arecord production team called The Smash Factory, composed of T.I.,Lil' C and Mars.[189] The Grand Hustle label has signed artists that T.I. has collaborated with, like Azelea and B.o.B., as well as other artists, likeTravis Scott.[190]
In 2006, T.I. launched his own film company, Grand Hustle Films. In late 2007, T.I. linked up with Los Angeles–based production company 828 Entertainment, to executive produce a reality show titledLife on Mars, which chronicles the life of young prodigy music producer LaMar "MARS" Edwards, of production team 1500 or Nothin'.[191][192] T.I. partnered 828 Entertainment with his company Grand Hustle, to produce a slate of both television and film projects.
As of June 2014, T.I. is confirmed as an executive producer for theOxygen docu-series,Sisterhood of Hip Hop.[193]
In addition to helping withHurricane Katrina relief efforts, T.I. worked with troubled youths at Paulding Detention Center in Atlanta, provided scholarships for single parent families atBoys and Girls Clubs, and headlined theBoost MobileRockcorps concert at New York'sRadio City Music Hall, which featured such performers asFat Joe,Slim Thug, andKanye West, and was held exclusively for community service volunteers. As part of his community service time, T.I. visited a number of middle-grade and high schools in Georgia, where he speaks with the students in an assembly, holding a positive message, while maintaining a philanthropic view about morals and growing up in the same areas as himself.[194]
In June 2005, TheLisa "Left Eye" Lopes Foundation, named for the deceased member of multi-platinum female groupTLC, and Atlanta'sV-103, honored T.I. with the 2005Lisa Lopes Award for groundbreaking achievements in music and community service which was court ordered. With this steady list of growing accomplishments T.I. was recognized as the "Jay-Z of the South", according toPharrell Williams of multi-platinum production teamThe Neptunes.[194]
T.I.'snightclub, Club Crucial, hosted a giveaway of 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in theBoys and Girls Club with V-103 announcer Greg Street.[195] Upon being asked his opinion onObama supporting gay marriage, he responded that people should be free to do what they want to do.[196]
Forbes Magazine announced its first ever Hip-Hop Cash Kings list in early 2007, listing the top 20 hip-hop earning artists for the previous business year. T.I. was listed on their list four times.[197][198][199] As in 2015, the rapper was again included in Forbes' annual list after earning $6 million.[200]
T.I. opened his own nightclub, called Club Crucial, inBankhead, Atlanta. It is considered one of the most popular clubs in Atlanta and features full entertainment centers with largeflat-screen TVs,pool rooms, VIP rooms and food. Celebrities such asMonica,Big Boi,Mike Epps andShawty Lo have made appearances there. The club hosts weekly events such as Monday nightOpen Mic Night,Free Fridays, andCelebrity Saturdays, where local hip-hop artists perform their songs at the club.[201]
After the release of his hit single "Top Back",Chevrolet secured an endorsement deal with T.I. earlier in 2007, to promote their line of cars, with a focus on the newImpala. Due to his arrest for federal gun charges, he was on the verge of losing his deal with the company.[202]
T.I. had an endorsement with asocial networking website focusing on the hip-hop culture named StreetCred.com. The website was founded in 2007 by investment banker Rocky D. Williform. Celebrities such asDiddy,Lil' Kim andYoung Jeezy had accounts on the website. As of 2008, the website was temporarily shut down until further notice.[203][204][205]
In 2008, T.I. announced the launch of his clothing company A.K.O.O., an acronym for "A King Of Oneself", focusing on urban apparel such as lightweight T-shirts, cardigans, sweaters, embroidered wovens, leather jackets and quality denim among a variety of other clothing.[206][207][208][209][210][211]
In June 2010, T.I. was named Global Creative Consultant ofRémy MartinCognac.XXL Magazine revealed that the partnership will include collaborative projects and a focus on continuing the philanthropic works of his K.I.N.G. Foundation. He announced onChelsea Lately, that he would be releasing his own signature brand of the liquor.[212]
T.I. lost his endorsement deal withAxe body spray, following his arrest for drug possession.[213]
In May 2012, T.I. revealed he has invested money in a social marketing app called Yopima.[214]
In February 2016, T.I. announced he joined subscription-based music streaming serviceTIDAL, as an artist-owner, making him the 19th of his kind, and in company with artists such asJ. Cole,Beyoncé,Kanye West,Nicki Minaj,Rihanna,Lil Wayne,Daft Punk,Madonna and of course,Jay Z.[215][216]
In June 2016, T.I. opened astrip club called V Live, in Atlanta.[217][218][219]
In 2001, T.I. began a relationship withXscape memberTameka "Tiny" Cottle.[14] The couple married on July 30, 2010, inMiami Beach, Florida.[220][221] Together, they have two sons and one daughter.[14][222][223][224] His daughter from that marriage, Heiress, performs under the name Heiress Harris. In June 2024, Heiress performed at theBET Awards 2024 with collaborator Savannah McConneaughey, who performs under the stage name VanVan.[225] In addition, T.I. has two sons with Lashon Dixon, and a daughter from a relationship withR&B singer Ms. Niko.[226][227] Through his marriage to Cottle, T.I. has one stepdaughter.[228] In December 2016, Tiny filed fordivorce from T.I.[229] The couple have been working on a reconciliation.[230] On February 22, 2019, T.I. lost his older sister, Precious Harris, to a car accident that put her on life support a week earlier.[231]
In November 2019, T.I. was widely criticized after telling theLadies Like Uspodcast that he annually accompanied his 18-year-old daughter Deyjah Harris to have herhymengynaecologically checked to confirm hervirginity,[232][233] despite the fact that such tests are viewed as unreliable as the hymen can be broken by other causes. Such tests were condemned in 2018 by theWorld Health Organization (WHO),UN Human Rights andUN Women, as "medically unnecessary, and often times painful, humiliating and traumatic".[233][234] T.I. initially responded by claiming he was never in the exam room during the procedure, although he later admitted he had been when his daughter was younger.[235][236] In June 2020, Deyjah addressed the controversy, saying that the experience was "traumatising", had negatively impacted her relationship with her father and that she wanted to be a better parent than he was.[237]
In 2006,[238] T.I. was at the scene of singerScott Stapp's suicide attempt. Stapp explained onVH1'sBig Morning Buzz Live that he had attempted suicide in Miami by jumping off a balcony and T.I. "took care of the situation".[239] Stapp said, "I laid out there for two and a half hours and my guardian angel showed up. He immediately took care of the situation and saved my life." T.I. and Stapp met while recording songs for thePassion of the Christ soundtrack in 2004, and bonded over their shared love of theAlabama Crimson Tide. Stapp stated "I found out later it was the only room left in the hotel and he came in off the street and came out, and as I'm laying on the ledge, blood fell to his feet and he looked up and he had an Alabama hat on. I said, 'roll tide,' and then he looked at me and put two and two together and really saved my life."[239]
On October 13, 2010, T.I. convinced Joshua Starks, a 24-year-old suicidal man inAtlanta, not to jump from a 22-story building.[240] After hearing of the situation on the radio, he drove to the scene at the 400 Colony Square Building[241] and asked police if he could help. T.I. then talked to the man, and convinced him not to jump. Afterwards, T.I. stated "For one, I'm not taking any credit. I didn't do it ... I could've just as well came down there and it could have been resolved in another way. The fact of the matter is that God put me in a position to help, and I can't take any credit for that."[242]
In October 2015, T.I. received backlash when he was speaking on 2016 presidential candidateHillary Clinton: "Not to besexist but, I can't vote for the leader of the free world to be a woman. Just because, every other position that exists, I think a woman could do well. But the president? It's kinda like, I just know that women make rash decisions emotionally – they make very permanent, cemented decisions – and then later, it's kind of like it didn't happen, or they didn't mean for it to happen. And I sure would hate to just set off a nuke. [Other leaders] will not be able to negotiate the right kinds of foreign policy; the world ain't ready yet. I think you might be able to [get] theLoch Ness Monster elected before you could [get a woman]."[243][244] Following the reaction fromsocial media, T.I. publicly apologized on Twitter.[245][246]
On January 26, 2021, Sabrina Peterson, who was associated with T.I. and his family, alleged on social media that T.I. put a gun to her head and threatened to kill her in 2009. Following the post, allegations of sexual abuse by Harris and his wife Tiny appeared underneath the post.[247]
By March 2021, more than 30 women and at least one man accused Harris, his wife Tiny, and their associates of "forced drugging,kidnapping,rape, andintimidation" in at least two states, includingCalifornia andGeorgia, which allegedly occurred since at least 2005. An attorney for the accusers has sent letters to the state attorneys general of California and Georgia asking them to open an investigation. The accusers allege that "prior to or upon immediately entering T&T's home, hotel, or tour bus [they] were coerced by Tiny to ingest drugs or [were] unknowingly administered drugs to impair the victims' ability to consent to subsequent vile sexual acts."[248][249]
In January 2021, Harris released a video on Instagram denying the allegations, claiming that all of his sexual encounters had been consensual.[250][251]
As a result of the allegations, production ofT.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle was suspended.[252] In 2024, T.I. and Tiny faced a lawsuit over an alleged sexual assault incident.[253]
Harris first begandealing drugs as a teenager, and by the age of 14, he had already been arrested several times.[226][254][13]
In March 2004, awarrant was issued for T.I.'s arrest after he violated hisprobation of a 1997 drug conviction, as well as a 1998conviction for violating a state controlled substances act and for giving false information.[255] He was sentenced to three years in prison.[256] While imprisoned inCobb County, Georgia, he filmed an unauthorized music video.[257] In May 2004, he was released on probation.[258] After being released, he earned a litany of probation violations in several counties around Georgia for offenses ranging from possession of afirearm to possession ofmarijuana.[256]
In 2006, after appearing in an Atlanta court on May 10 and having charges that he threatened a man outside a strip club the previous year dropped for lack of evidence, Harris was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant from Florida. The warrant claimed that Harris did not fulfill the required number of community service hours he was sentenced to complete for a 2003 battery of a female sheriff deputy at University Mall inTampa. Harris was detained by several mall Security Guards at the time of the incident.[259]
According toWSB-TV in Atlanta, the rapper's attorney said that the problem was nothing more than a "technical matter" betweenGeorgia andFlorida. The confusion arose because T.I. was also sentenced to community service in Georgia for driving with a suspended license, for which he completed 75 hours of community service in his home state. He was released on bail shortly after being arrested, and was expected to surrender to Florida state authorities the following week to resolve the matter.[259]
On October 13, 2007, federal authorities arrested Harris four hours before theBET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta.[260] He was charged with two felonies,possession of three unregistered machine guns and two silencers, andpossession of firearms by a convicted felon. The arrest was made in the parking lot of a downtown shopping center, which a witness identified as theWalgreens drug store at the corner of North and Piedmont Avenues. Harris was arrested after allegedly trying to purchase the guns from a "cooperating witness" with theBureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. According to federal officials, the witness had been cooperating with authorities a few days prior to the arrest, when the cooperating witness was arrested on charges of trying topurchase guns from a federal agent. The witness had been working as Harris' bodyguard since July, authorities said.[261][262]
On October 26, 2007, Harris walked out of the United States District Court in Atlanta after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman and posting a three million dollar bond, two million cash plus equity on his property. Harris was required to remain at home except for medical appointments and court appearances. The only people allowed to live with him were his girlfriend and children. Visitors were required to be approved by the court.
Harris'suppression hearing was scheduled for February 19, 2008. He later pled guilty to U.S. federal weapons charges, and was sentenced to an undefined prison sentence, a year ofhouse arrest and 1,500 hours ofcommunity service.[263] In an interview withMTV about serving prison time, Harris said"Presumably, while I'm there, I'll be able to strategize my comeback." He went on to say that he would not"just be sitting still doing nothing".[264] On March 27, 2009, U.S. District JudgeCharles A. Pannell Jr. sentenced Harris to one year and one day in prison and ordered him to pay $100,300 in fines.[265] Harris had his sentence reduced from an original maximum ten years and a $250,000 fine with aplea bargain.[266][267]
On May 26, 2009, Harris began serving hissentence inForrest City, Arkansas.[268] Two days prior to being imprisoned, he performed a farewell concert at thePhilips Arena in Atlanta.[269] Harris was released fromFCI Forrest City on December 22, 2009[270] and transferred to ahalfway house in Atlanta.[271] Harris had theFederal Bureau of Prisons ID 59458-019 and was released from CCM Atlanta on March 26, 2010.[52] After his release from prison, he was subjected to anaudit of his finances, drug counseling,DNA testing, and random searches of his property.[272]
On September 1, 2010, T.I. and his wifeTiny were arrested for drug charges.[50] The arrest for drug charges led to T.I. being sentenced on October 15, 2010, to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of his probation, specifically for possessingecstasy, testing positive foropiates and associating with aconvicted felon, namely hisP$C cohortC-Rod.[273] On October 25, the drug charges against T.I. were dropped.[274] On November 1, T.I. reported back to theForrest City Federal Facility to serve his 11-month sentence.[275] His date of release was set to be September 29, 2011.[52] On August 31, 2011, T.I. was released from Forrest City at 7:29 a.m. and sent to a community living facility to serve out the rest of his 11-month sentence. He then released a statement onTwitter saying: "The storm is over & da sun back out. IT'S OUR TIME TO SHINE SHAWTY!!!!! Welcome to the beginning of our Happy Ending!!!!"[276]
He was sent back to federal custody on September 1, less than 48 hours after his release, due to a dispute involving T.I. taking a luxury bus from a prison in Arkansas to a halfway house facility in Atlanta. T.I.'s attorney,Steven Sadow, told theAssociated Press that theFederal Bureau of Prisons moved T.I. to a different facility and clarified that the dispute was not drug related.[277] T.I. was later released from prison and was sent back to thehalfway house, where he was released on September 29, at midnight.[278]
On April 30, 2014, T.I. andCompton rapperThe Game were involved in a verbally confrontational standoff with officers of theLos Angeles Police Department. According toBillboard, it was believed to have been disconcerted as a response to officers misconducting a group of bystanders afar from a nightclub the two artists were attending. In a video leaked byTMZ, T.I. and Game were forced out of the club which they nicknamed the "Supercut Club", or "Supperclub", by LAPD officials, due to an investigation of a drug and gambling ring. The club's security guards were present at the scene and refused the rappers' re-entries into the property to avoid more legal troubles.[279][280]
T.I. and Game were forced to stand back, with T.I. yelling "Y'all got a lot of people beat up. We got good lawyers." One of the bystanders was forced to lay down with his hands over his head without warning and security kicked him repeatedly to try to get him back up in opposition. Another guard yelled, "He goes to jail tonight!". T.I. and Game were rumored to have been arrested for simple assault on a police officer and disturbing the peace. They were later released with charges dropped. This was later denied by LAPD team members.[279][280][281][282]
In August 2015, theIRS filed liens totaling more than $4.5 million on T.I.'s property for unpaid taxes from 2012 and 2013.[283]
On May 16, 2018, Harris was arrested outside of the gated community where he lives, for misdemeanor charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness inHenry County, Georgia, after a guard allegedly refused to let Harris into the complex without a key. Harris posted bond and was released later that day.[284]
In September 2020, Harris was charged by theSEC for his involvement in two fraudulent initial coin offerings.[285]
In January 2024, Harris and his wife were sued for sexual assault. The alleged incident involved them drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in a Los Angeles hotel room in 2005.[253] According toVariety, "The suit describes the plaintiff as being in her early twenties when the assault happened and asserts she was serving in the U.S. Air Force at the time. After allegedly being introduced to the couple by an associate named "Caviar," whom she had met at the house of the rapperCoolio the night before the assault."[253] In August 2024, the lawsuit was dismissed, due to thestatute of limitations expiring.[286]
Studio albums
Collaborative albums
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ATL | Rashad Swann | |
| 2007 | American Gangster | Stevie Lucas | |
| 2010 | Takers | Ghost | |
| 2013 | Identity Thief | Julian | |
| 2015 | The Corner Man | Narration | |
| Get Hard | Russell | ||
| Entourage | Himself | ||
| Ant-Man | Dave | ||
| 2016 | Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping | Himself | |
| Ride Along 2 | Tony David | ||
| 2017 | Sleepless | Sean Cass/Derrick Griffin | |
| Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands: War Within The Cartel | Marcus Johnson | TV movie | |
| Krystal | Willie | ||
| 2018 | Ant-Man and the Wasp | Dave | |
| 2019 | The Trap | Sonny | |
| Dolemite Is My Name | Walter Crane | ||
| 2020 | Cut Throat City | Lorenzo 'Cousin' Bass | |
| Monster Hunter | Link | ||
| 2023 | Fear | Lou |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–07 | It's Showtime at the Apollo | Himself | Recurring Guest |
| 2005 | The O.C. | Himself | Episode: "The Return of the Nana" |
| Diary | Himself | Episode: "Fat Joe and Friends" | |
| Punk'd | Himself | Episode: "Episode #5.4" | |
| 2005–06 | Soul Train | Himself | Episode: "Episode #34.23" & "Episode #35.14" |
| 2005–08 | Access Granted | Himself | Recurring Guest |
| 2006 | House Band | Himself | Episode: "T.I." |
| Making the Video | Himself | Episode: "Why You Wanna" | |
| 2008 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | Episode: "John Malkovich/T.I." |
| Entourage | Himself | Episode: "The All Out Fall Out" | |
| Andrew Young Presents | Himself | Episode: "Walking with Guns" | |
| 2009 | T.I.'s Road to Redemption | Himself | Main Cast |
| Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List | Himself | Episode: "Kathy at the Apollo" | |
| Behind the Music | Himself | Episode: "T.I." | |
| Connect with the Stars | Himself | Episode: "Episode #1.2" | |
| 2010 | VH1 Storytellers | Himself | Episode: "T.I." |
| 2011–17 | T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle | Himself | Main Cast |
| 2012 | Boss | Trey | Main Cast: Season 2 |
| Hawaii Five-0 | Ray | Episode: "I Ka Wa Mamua" | |
| 2012–14 | Single Ladies[287] | Luke | Guest: Season 2, Recurring Cast: Season 3 |
| 2013 | Marked Up | Himself | Episode: "Episode #1.2" |
| Andrew Young Presents | Himself | Episode: "Walking Without Guns" | |
| 2014 | Oprah: Where Are They Now? | Himself | Episode: "Meredith Baxter, Rapper T.I. & Downtown Julie Brown" |
| Amp'd Up | Himself | Episode: "Beat Poetry" | |
| House of Lies | Lukas Frye | Recurring Cast: Season 3 | |
| 2015 | Backstage Diaries | Himself | Episode: "G-Eazy, T.I." |
| 2016 | One Shot | Himself/Judge | Episode: "The Atlanta Auditions" |
| Roots | Cyrus | Episode: "Part 4" | |
| 2017 | The Timeline | Himself | Episode: "The '91 Falcons" |
| The Breaks | Paul Anders | Recurring Cast: Season 1 | |
| 2018 | The Grand Hustle | Himself/Host | Main Host |
| 2018–20 | T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle | Himself | Main Cast |
| 2021 | Rhythm + Flow | Himself/Judge | Main Judge |
| Genius | Ken Cunningham | Recurring Cast: Season 3 | |
| 2023 | The Real Housewives of Atlanta | Himself | Episode: "Art Imitates Life" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Def Jam: Icon | Himself | Voice role and likeness |
| 2017 | Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands | Marcus Jenssen | Voice role |
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Beef III |
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