Bio
Tip "T.I." Harris is an American hip hop recording artist, film and music producer, actor and author who is also the founder and co-chief executive officer (CEO) of Grand Hustle Records.
He is best known to television audiences for his starring role as Trey Rogers, a former gangbanger with designs on a career in City Hall, in the second season of the political drama television series Boss, in 2012.
As one of the most successful artists in his genre, T.I. racks up millions in album sales and has won a myriad of awards, including three Grammys. His discography includes seven studio albums, 20 singles and 33 music videos.
In 2006, T.I. received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Song Collaboration ("Soldier" w/ Destiny's Child & Lil Wayne) and Best Rap Solo Performance for "U Don't Know Me" at The 48th Grammy Awards.
T.I.'s fourth album, "King," debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the first half of 2006, selling 522,000 copies in its first week. "King" earned numerous awards and nominations including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album.
T.I. won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for his single "What You Know," which was also nominated for Best Rap Song at the 49th Grammy Awards. Also that year, T.I. collaborated with Justin Timberlake for "My Love," which proved to be a worldwide hit, and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration with Justin Timberlake at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards.
During the 51st Grammy Awards, he was nominated for four Grammy Awards, eventually winning Best Rap Performance by a Duo or a Group for "Swagga Like Us".
At the 53rd Grammy Awards, T.I. was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance for "I'm Back" and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (Fancy with Drake and Swizz Beatz).
Music is just the tip of T.I.'s entertainment conglomerate. In 2006, T.I. landed the leading actor role in the Warner Bros. film ATL, which was produced by Will Smith. Smith hand-picked T.I. to star.
He followed up that role in 2008 by acting alongside Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in Ridley Scott's blockbuster drama American Gangster for Universal.
In 2010, T.I. starred in and produced the crime heist film Takers for Sony Screen Gems, the first in a three-picture-deal he made with Sony. Takers debuted at number one at the U.S. box office, grossing $20.5-million in its opening weekend.
T.I. has also starred in and produced two highly rated television series: in 2009, he created a follow documentary show on MTV called T.I.'s Road to Redemption, and in 2012, he created Family Hustle for VH1, which the network renewed for a second season.
T.I. and Grand Hustle partner Jason Geter founded A.K.O.O. clothing line in 2008. A.K.O.O. is an acronym that stands for "A King Of Oneself." The clothing line features upscale urban apparel for men including premium T-Shirts, cardigans, sweaters, leather jackets and denim, among a variety of other clothing.
Further expanding his work in music, film and business, T.I. became an author. He co-wrote a fictional novel "Power & Beauty: A Love Story of Life on the Streets," published by Harper Collins.
T.I. maintains active involvement in the community. In addition to helping with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, he works with troubled youths, provided scholarships for single parent families at Boys and Girls Clubs, and visits middle and high schools encouraging students to succeed.