T.I.
Early Life
Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., known professionally as T.I., was born on September 25, 1980, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was raised by his grandparents in Atlanta's Center Hill neighborhood. From an early age, T.I. was drawn to hip hop music, and he began rapping at the age of eight.
Career
T.I. began his music career in 1996, joining the Southern hip hop group P$C, also known as Pimp $quad Click. His first solo album, "I'm Serious," was released in 2001 through Arista Records. Despite its limited commercial success, the album marked T.I.'s entry into the music industry.
In 2003, T.I. founded his own record label, Grand Hustle Records, and released his second album, "Trap Muzik." This album was a commercial success and established T.I. as one of the leading artists in the Southern hip hop genre. The album also introduced the term "trap music" to a wider audience, a subgenre of hip hop that T.I. is often credited with popularizing.
T.I.'s subsequent albums, including "King" (2006), "T.I. vs. T.I.P." (2007), and "Paper Trail" (2008), have all been critically and commercially successful. His music often explores themes of street life, crime, and struggle, reflecting his own experiences growing up in Atlanta.
In addition to his music career, T.I. has also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films such as "ATL" (2006), "American Gangster" (2007), and the "Ant-Man" series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also starred in the reality television series "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle," which aired on VH1 from 2011 to 2017.
Personal Life
T.I. has been open about his struggles with legal issues and incarceration, both before and during his music career. He has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly in his hometown of Atlanta.
T.I. is married to Tameka "Tiny" Harris, a singer-songwriter who was a member of the R&B group Xscape. They have three children together, and T.I. has three additional children from previous relationships.
Legacy and Influence
T.I.'s influence on the hip hop industry is significant. He is often credited with popularizing the subgenre of trap music, which has become a dominant force in mainstream hip hop. His success as a Southern hip hop artist has also paved the way for other artists from the region.