T.I

Posted on 08.2.2003

T.I.
Aka: T.I.P. or The Rubberband Man
Clifford Harris
Hometown: Atlanta

T.I Biography:
T.I. is a Southern based rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Known for his rapid-fire delivery of lyrics, he is known as the "King Of The South". He is also known as T.I.P. or The Rubberband Man.

T.I. signed to Arista Records’ subsidiary LaFace Records in 2001. He was a member of an underground posse known as Grand Hustle, and generated buzz after releasing his critically acclaimed debut album I’m Serious, which spawned the hit single of the same title which featured reggae vocalist Beenie Man. His debut included Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, Jazze Pha and The Youngbloodz.
Due to lack of promotion he left LaFace Records and Arista. After a two year hiatus, he reemerged on Bone Crusher’s single Neva Scared and from that success T.I. was quickly signed to Atlantic Records. His success since his departure from Arista came from his gold-selling sophomore album Trap Muzik.

Trap Muzik quickly became one of the fastest-selling albums in the southern rap genre, featuring the hits "24s", "Rubberband Man", and "Be Easy". The success of the album was followed by some controversy: while on tour, T.I. was arrested and charged for violating his probation over a 1998 drug charge. He was sentenced to three years in prison. While there he was granted rights to film the music video for the single "Let’s Get Away".

In 2004, T.I. received an early release, and returned to music with some disparaging words for rival rappers Lil’ Flip and Ludacris. While out of prison, T.I. had overheard people claiming that Lil’ Flip and Ludacris had subliminally disrespected him on the Lil’ Flip album U Gotta Feel Me? and he felt obligated to respond.

He showed up unannounced at a concert featuring Lil’ Flip. T.I. had pictures of him in his trademark leprechaun suit. He claimed that Lil’ Flip was trying to steal his style of rapping and he wasn’t going to allow someone to make of mockery of him while he was in prison.

T.I. released Urban Legend in late 2004, which instantly generated crossover success with the hit single "Bring ’Em Out". He used a sample from Jay-Z’s "The Black Album" to create the hook, and featured production from Ruff Ryders producer Swizz Beatz. His album was the fastest-selling album in history, and generated enough buzz for T.I. to be considered the most sought-after rapper in hip-hop. The album featured Trick Daddy, Nelly, Lil’ Jon and Lil’ Kim. T.I. gained stardom from his featured work with artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mario, Eightball & MJG, B.G., Young Buck, The Game, Baby (of Cash Money Records), Slim Thug, Jermaine Dupri, Twista, Omarion, 112, Trick Daddy, Cam’Ron, and The Diplomats.

Label: Atlantic records
T.I. official site: www.trapmuzik.com

T.I. Discography:

T.I. Albums:

2007 T.I. "T.I Vs T.I.P "

2004 T.I. "Urban Legend"
2003 T.I. "Trap Muzik"
2001 T.I. "I’m Serious"

T.I. Hit singles:
2005 "ASAP/Motivation"
2005 "U Don’t Know Me"
2005 "Soldier" (Destiny’s Child feat. T.I. & Lil’ Wayne)
2004 "Bring Em Out"
2004 "T.I. vs. T.I.P."
2004 "Let’s Get Away"
2003 "Rubberband Man"
2003 "24’s"
2001 "What’s Yo Name"
2001 "I’m Serious (Remix)"
2001 "I’m Serious"