Born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., T.I. is more than just a rapper. He has co-starred in several Hollywood films such as Ant-Man, ATL, and Takers, he's published two novels, all the while, he built his record label from the ground up (not to mention, his own career, lest we forget he started out really in the trap-- and then proceeded to help define the genre in rap music, too).
Beyond his business and career pursuits, T.I. has been an astounding father and husband, sharing his fame with his family, for better or for worse, on his reality television series T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle. While T.I. may not have as many years in the rap game as Nas, he might not have as many #1’s as Jay-z, and he might not have as many successful proteges as Dr. Dre, TIP is basically the self-appointed Yoda of rap. His uncanny wisdom is often well-spoken and contemplative. T.I.’s knowledge comes from both experience and observation. His street smarts, coupled with his tenure as a CEO, has given him perspective from both the ground floor and the rooftop suite.
Throughout the years, T.I. has delivered eloquently articulated jewels of knowledge to both his peers and his companions. No stranger to scandal himself, T.I. has been involved in rap beef, legal battles, record label disputes, and has had his own personal life thrust into the media spotlight. No matter the situation though, TIP handles himself like a gentleman, an intellectual, and a boss. If we were to comb through every T.I. sound bite on the internet, I’m certain we could construct the next 48 Laws of Power.
Here are The King of the South’s most pertinent pieces of wisdom. Do you need some advice from T.I.? If you could ask for his advice on any subject, what would it be? Let us know in the comments.
T.I. gives advice to Rob Kardashian after he aired out T.I., Tiny, and Black Chyna's alleged threesome
This past summer, Rob Kardashian took to Twitter to air out his grievances with his then-girlfriend Chyna. After being banned from Instagram for posting nudes of Chyna, Rob took to Twitter to continue his rant. During his overly emotional and confusing rant, Rob claimed that T.I. and Tiny paid Chyna for a threesome. In an off-the-cuff interview with TMZ, T.I. didn’t refute the claims, but instead offered a gem of his wisdom for the troubled Kardashian.
"Don't tell women's business. That's bad. That's very, very bad. It's poor character. If a woman entrusts you man, and confides in you, man, with secrets and stuff like that, you don't ever let that -- you don't do that. You don't do that, you know what I'm saying? Our secrets are sacred. We don't do that. That's a whole level of fuck boy shit. I don't know how you’re gonna get p***y after that."
T.I. delivers "Entertainers Etiquette," giving advice to young up and comers
MTV and T.I. teamed up to deliver a comical, but brutally honest, "Entertainers Etiquette" video that tackles some of the hardest issues an up and comer might have to deal with. Fake jewelry, internet gangsters, the proper way to conduct yourself during an interview, and oversharing on social media are all topics TIP addresses in his usual cool and calm demeanor.
“If they not in the room with you, why they need to know what hell you doing?”
T.I. gives Jay-Z parenting advice
In a heartfelt interview with FUSE, T.I., a father of six, gives Sean Carter some words of wisdom regarding raising a baby girl. TIP has one daughter of his own, and another daughter from his wife Tiny’s past relationship with Zonnie Zebo Pullins. He touches on the fleeting happiness found in each moment of parent-hood, and instructs Jay to cherish the moments he has with his baby girl before she grows up.
“Little girls are going to judge men they meet in the future based off how their father treated them. You’ve got to be her first love, her first everything, so when she run into nonsense in the street, then she’ll know, ‘Nah, my daddy would never do it like that, so this isn’t even worth my time or attention.”
T.I. gives his son gives King relationship advice
On T.I.’s reality television series T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, TIP gives his son Clifford “King” Joseph Harris a few tips when it comes to the dating game. Young King seems to be crushing on a girl that he exclaims is a very beautiful woman. TIP instructs his son that beautiful women are trouble, and that he needs to keep his options open. King, a spitting image of his father, interjects that he has had his heart broken before, and a hilarious conversation ensues where T.I. comically states that his son needs to grow some balls before he can have his balls broken. Classic.
“You know how you get your player wings? You get your player wings when you get your heart broke for the first time.”
T.I. gives Troy Ave advice on his court date
Troy Ave, the aspiring Brooklyn MC, got his shot at superstardom when XXL featured him on their Freshmen Class cover in 2014. In 2016 Ave was arrested at a T.I. concert for attempted murder and possession of an illegal weapon. At the event, which took place at Irving Plaza in NY, four people were shot, and Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Edgar” McPhatter was killed. After learning of the tragic news, T.I. gave TMZ an advice-filled statement:
“Me, myself, I’ve got a lot of love for Troy, and I just think he has enormous potential. He has his own relationship with God. All you gotta do, man, is keep God first, and you can pull through it. Sometimes there are things that involve situations that go beyond what the eyes can see. So for things like that, you’ve gotta step out on faith. And him being able to do that, man, that will make the difference.”
T.I. gives Iggy Azalea advice
In an interview with Yahoo, the Australian born femcee Iggy Azalea had nothing but praise to give her mentor T.I. After Iggy’s mixtape Ignorant Art launched her into the stratosphere, T.I. signed the young goddess to his Grand Hustle imprint. Since then, Iggy has beefed with other female artists such as Azealia Banks, Kreayshawn and Halsey. Using Twitter as her means of venting, Iggy has stumbled into feud after feud on the social media site. When T.I. was asked about Iggy’s Twitter beefs, he dismissed the idea of giving haters any attention, and supported his artist.
"I think she should focus on what got her here, and that’s her music and her performing, and continue to just present her talents to the world."
T.I. warns against fake rape allegations in the wake of Nelly's accusations
In October, St. Louis rapper Nelly was arrested for rape allegations. The victim claimed that Nelly raped her on his tour bus, a story that ended up being fabricated. Since Nelly’s arrest, the victim has asked to drop the case, and refused to testify. The rape/assault money grab has been a Hollywood hustle for ladies looking to making a few quick M's off celebrities for decades. While actual instances of sexual assault and rape are vile and horrendous, false rape accusations should be deemed just as dangerous. After hearing of Nelly’s predicament, T.I. took to his Instagram to voice his opinion on false rape accusations.
“If more than twelve find us guilty, we got to answer to that. But, if we find out that this wasn’t true, what the fuck happen to her? I’m sick of this shit, know what I mean? I’m just saying—we ain’t no muthafuckin’ targets. Get your shit together.”