Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., known professionally as T.I., was born on September 25, 1980, in Atlanta, Georgia. A prominent rapper and music producer, T.I. rose to fame in the early 2000s as a key figure in Southern hip hop. He signed his first major record deal in 1999 with LaFace Records, releasing his debut album I'm Serious in 2001, which didn’t see major commercial success. However, his breakthrough came after signing with Atlantic Records in 2003, where he co-founded Grand Hustle Records.
His second album, Trap Muzik (2003), brought him national attention with hits like "Rubber Band Man" and "Let's Get Away." T.I. continued to rise in popularity with his third album, Urban Legend (2004), and collaborations like "Soldier" with Lil Wayne and Destiny’s Child. His following albums, King (2006) and T.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007), topped the Billboard 200 chart, with hit singles like "What You Know" and "Big ѕh¡t ρορρin'."
T.I.’s success in the music industry earned him three Grammy Awards and numerous accolades, including twelve Billboard Music Awards and three BET Awards. He became a significant force in hip hop during the 2000s, leading Southern rap’s global influence. His Grand Hustle label has signed major artists, including B.o.B, Iggy Azalea, and Travis Scott.
Apart from music, T.I. also found success as an actor, starring in films like ATL, Takers, and Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also authored two novels, Power & Beauty (2011) and Trouble & Triumph (2012), and appeared on reality TV shows like T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.
T.I.'s influence extends beyond music, solidifying his position as one of the most versatile and accomplished figures in entertainment. He remains a highly respected artist in hip hop, known for his smooth flow, lyrical prowess, and significant contributions to the genre.