Tip is a long way from the trap. Since bursting onto the scene in 2001, the rapper has released five platinum albums, launched his Grand Hustle imprint and become a movie star (“ATL,” “American Gangster”). Now with “Takers” readying to hit theaters, Tip is putting on a new hat: movie producer. Here, we take a look at the evolution of T.I.’s career.
False Start
Then signed to Arista Records, T.I. released “I’m Serious.” Bold and cocky, the rapper proclaimed himself, “king of the south” before his debut album hit stores. Despite receiving good reviews, the album tanked commercially.
Square One
After getting dropped from Arista, Tip went back to work on the mixtape circuit and generated a buzz big enough to spark bidding wars between several labels. In the end, he signed with Atlantic Records.
Told You So
Capitalizing off his momentum, Tip dropped “Trap Muzik,” an album many consider his best work, in 2003. Lead by singles like “24,” “Let’s Get Away” and “Rubberband Man,” the LP went platinum.
Set Backs
With “Trap Muzik” approaching platinum status, Tip was sent to jail on a parole violation charge. He was released in 2004.
Back to Back
Striking while the iron’s hot, Tip released Urban Legend in 2004. Featuring singles like “Bring Em’ Out” and “U Don’t Know Me,” the LP marked his second consecutive platinum release.
Coronation
Tip reached superstar status with the release of “King,” his fourth LP. The CD coincided with his big screen debut on “ATL” and served as the flick’s official soundtrack.
Hollywood
A year after the success of “ATL,” Tip secured a role in “American Gangster" alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. He’s now set to star in “Takers,” a film featuring Idris Elba, Chris Brown, Matt Dillon, Paul Walker and Michael Ealy. He also produced the movie.
Grand Huslter
With his career now on track, T.I. began releasing projects from other artists on his Grand Hustle imprint. To date, they’ve dropped projects from Young Dro, B.o.B., Eightball & MJG and DJ Drama.
Split Personality
The king of the south continued his platinum ways with T.I. Vs. T.I.P.
A Year and a Day
Only days before the 2007 BET Hip-Hop Awards, Tip was arrested for attempting to purchase guns in an Atlanta parking lot. A convicted felon, he faced up to 10 years in jail, but got his sentence reduced to a year and a day when the judge saw the positive influence he could have on the community.
What's Beef?
Tip had his share of feuds in the beginning of his career. While he held grudges early on (Lil’ Flip), he’s now willing to let bygones be bygones. Things escalated when he and Ludacris traded disses on Young Buck’s “Stomp.” The two later made peace and appeared on each other’s respective albums. He also feuded with Shawty Lo only to squash it later.
Road to Redemption
With his setence approaching, Tip logged in countless hours of community service and lectured in schools. His MTV show, "Road to Redemption," also documented Tip as he reached out to at-risk kids and tried to help them change their lives for the better.
The Best Part
In the months leading up to his sentence, Tip released “Paper Trail.” The LP marked a change in content for the rapper. Gone were the tales from the trap. Instead, the disc featured uplifting and inspiring songs like “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna. The LP’s his biggest selling release to date.
Family Man
Tip is set to marry his longtime love Tiny Cottle. The couple has two sons together.
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