T.I. Biography

Born Clifford Joseph Jr. on 25 September 1980, T.I. started rapping at an early age. After dropping out of high school, he started selling mixtapes with the rapper Big Kuntry King.

Early Career

He released his debut album through Arista Records. “I’m Serious” (2001) wasn’t a big success but managed to attract attention upon the southern rapper.

T.I. issued the next two albums Trap Muzik and Urban Legend in 2003, respectively in 2004. Urban Legend’s single “Bring Em Out” reached number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.

The rapper was on his way to success in 2006. The album King debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. T.I. won Best Rap Solo Performance for the single “What You Know”. The album T.I. vs T.I.P enclosed singles such as “Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)” and “You Know What It Is”.

Legal Problems and Further Success

While struggling with prison sentences, drugs and weapons charges, T.I. released two more albums, Paper Trail (2008) and No Mercy (2010). Inspired by a Marvin Gaye song for the title, the rapper issued Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head (2012). The album included featuring from artists like Lil Wayne, Andre 3000 and P!nk.

Named Paperwork, the ninth studio album was supported by singles like “About the Money” featuring Young Thug and “No Mediocre” featuring Iggy Azalea.

Photo credits: Discogs