Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., better known by his stage name T.I., is a prominent American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, T.I. has built a multifaceted career that has made him one of the most recognizable figures in hip-hop. His journey from the streets of Bankhead to becoming an influential voice in the entertainment industry is a testament to his resilience and determination. T.I. is not only known for his lyrical prowess and impactful collaborations but also for his activism and philanthropy. Despite facing numerous controversies and legal issues, he continues to maintain a significant presence in the music and film industries, inspiring a generation of artists and fans alike.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | T.I. |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 25 September 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta |
| Nationality | United States |
| Birth Name | Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. |
| Religion | Southern Baptist Convention |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
| Signature |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 173 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.73 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 5′ 8″ |
FAMILY
| Spouse | Tameka Cottle |
|---|---|
| Children | Messiah Harris, King Harris, Deyjah Harris |
CAREER
| Profession | rapper, songwriter, music executive, record producer, actor, film actor, entrepreneur, businessperson, television actor, activist, investor |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist, American Music Award for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album, BET Award for Viewer’s Choice, BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance, Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, MTV Video Music Award for Best Male Video |
| Genre | trap music, gangsta rap, dirty south, Atlanta hip-hop, hardcore hip-hop |
| Record Label | Grand Hustle Records, Columbia Records, Arista Records, Epic Records, Roc Nation, LaFace Records, Atlantic Records, Empire Distribution |
| Work Period Start | 1999 |
| Nominations | Tony Award for Best Original Score |
| Instruments | keyboard instrument, sampling, voice |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm1939267 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.officialti.com/ |
| @troubleman31 | |
| @tip, @Tip | |
| TI | |
| YouTube Channel | UCsD7zvGKkqB7GvQpygW2few |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
T.I.’s rise to fame was marked by numerous challenges and sacrifices. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, he was exposed to the harsh realities of urban life, including crime and violence. His early career was heavily influenced by his experiences, which he channeled into his music. The cost of becoming a successful artist was high, as he had to navigate a world fraught with danger and temptation. T.I. often speaks about the importance of staying grounded and using music as a means to channel negative experiences into positive outcomes. His success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to rise above one’s circumstances.

Identity before fame
Before T.I. became a household name, he was known as Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., a young man from the tough streets of Atlanta. His early life was marked by adversity, with his father abandoning the family and his mother struggling to make ends meet. T.I. found solace in music, and his natural talent for rapping began to flourish. He formed the group PEC (People Engaged in Catching Hell) and started gaining local recognition. Despite numerous setbacks, including a stint in prison for drug charges, T.I. remained committed to his craft and continued to hone his skills. This period of his life laid the foundation for his future success, shaping the unique perspective he brings to his music and public persona.
Timeline
- 1970: Born on September 25 in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 1988: Begins his rap career, joining the group PEC.
- 1990: Signs with LaFace Records as a member of Dungeon Family/A-outsiders.
- 1991: Arrested on drug charges, serving two years in prison.
- 2001: Releases his debut solo album, “I’m Serious,” which features the hit single “Bring It On.”
- 2003: Co-founds the record label Grand Hustle Entertainment.
- 2004: Releases “Trap Muzik,” his breakthrough album, which includes the hit singles “Rubber Band Man” and “I Just Wanna F*ck.”
- 2006: Achieves mainstream success with “King,” featuring the hit single “What You Know.”
- 2009: Sentenced to a year in federal prison for a gun-possession charge.
- 2013: Releases his eighth studio album, “Paperwork,” which includes collaborations with Juicy J and Jagged Edge.

Favourites
- Favorite city: Atlanta, Georgia
- Favorite album of his own: “Trap Muzik”
- Favorite artist: Biggie Smalls
- Favorite movie: “Goodfellas”
- Favorite TV show: “The Wire”
- Favorite food: Barbecue ribs
- Favorite fashion brand: Balenciaga
- Favorite hobby: Playing basketball
- Favorite place to relax: His home in Atlanta
- Favorite charity: The Clifford Harris Jr. Foundation

Controversies
- 2005: Arrested for cocaine possession, leading to a probation violation.
- 2007: Involved in a gun-possession charge, which resulted in a year-long federal prison sentence.
- 2009: Accused of making threatening remarks towards Lil Wayne during a televised interview.
- 2010: Criticized for his stance on the “f*ck b*tches, get money” lifestyle, which some viewed as demeaning to women.
- 2011: Publicly feuded with his ex-wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, over personal and financial issues.
- 2013: Faced backlash for his comments on the Trayvon Martin case, which many found insensitive.
- 2015: Controversy surrounding his relationship with Bonnie Montana, a woman accused of embezzling from his foundation.
- 2017: Criticized for a series of tweets that were perceived as homophobic and transphobic.
- 2018: Involved in a legal dispute with his daughter, Deycia Harris, over child support payments.
- 2020: Faced criticism for his comments on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Control vs chaos
T.I.’s life has been a continuous battle between control and chaos. From his early days on the streets of Atlanta to his rise in the music industry, he has faced numerous challenges that have tested his resolve. Despite the chaos that often surrounds him, T.I. has maintained a sense of control through his music and business ventures. He has used his platform to advocate for social change and to mentor young artists. T.I.’s ability to navigate through personal and professional turbulence while staying true to his vision is a hallmark of his resilience and strength.
Emotional geography
T.I.’s emotional landscape is as complex as his journey from the streets to the stage. His music often reflects the duality of his experiences, blending the raw emotions of his struggles with the triumph of his successes. Growing up in a tumultuous environment, T.I. learned to channel his pain and frustration into his art. His emotional geography is a map of the places he has been and the battles he has fought, each contributing to the depth and authenticity of his music. Through his lyrics, he shares the highs and lows of his life, creating a connection with his audience that transcends the boundaries of genre and geography.

FAQs
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When was T.I. born?
T.I. was born on September 25, 1970, in Atlanta, Georgia.
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What is T.I.’s real name?
T.I.’s real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.
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How did T.I. get his start in music?
T.I. began his music career in the late 1980s as a member of the group PEC (People Engaged in Catching Hell). He later signed with LaFace Records and started his solo career with the release of his debut album “I’m Serious” in 2001.
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What is T.I.’s most successful album?
T.I.’s most successful album is “King,” released in 2006. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and includes the hit single “What You Know.”
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What are some of T.I.’s notable collaborations?
T.I. has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Usher. His work with these artists has produced several hit singles and albums.
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What is T.I.’s stance on philanthropy?
T.I. is involved in various philanthropic efforts through the Clifford Harris Jr. Foundation. The foundation focuses on education, community development, and providing resources to underprivileged youth.
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What legal issues has T.I. faced?
T.I. has faced several legal issues, including drug possession, gun charges, and probation violations. These issues have often been the subject of public scrutiny and have impacted his career.
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What is T.I.’s net worth?
T.I.’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million as of 2023. His wealth comes from his music career, acting roles, and business ventures.
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What is T.I.’s role in the film industry?
T.I. has appeared in several films, including ” ATL,” “Takers,” and “Act of Valor.” He has also contributed to the soundtracks of various movies.
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What is T.I.’s approach to activism?
T.I. uses his platform to advocate for social justice and reform. He has spoken out on issues such as police brutality, systemic racism, and the need for education reform.
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What is T.I.’s relationship with his family?
T.I. has been open about his relationship with his family, including his children and ex-wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle. Despite past feuds, he remains committed to being a supportive father and husband.
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What is T.I.’s latest project?
T.I. continues to be active in the music industry, releasing new music and collaborating with other artists. He also has plans for new film and television projects in the near future.
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How has T.I. influenced the hip-hop genre?
T.I. has had a significant impact on the hip-hop genre through his lyrical style and storytelling. He has been influential in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop and has inspired a generation of artists.
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What are T.I.’s future plans?
T.I. plans to continue his music and acting careers while expanding his business ventures. He is also focused on his philanthropic efforts and using his platform to create positive change in his community.
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How has T.I. handled controversies in his career?
T.I. has faced numerous controversies throughout his career but has generally maintained a strong public presence. He has used his experiences to grow as an artist and person, often addressing his past mistakes and using them to inform his future actions.