Atlanta-based T.I. was one raps most popular MCs throughout the 2000s and once even received the title of the Jay-Z of the South. He is CEO of Grand Hustle Records, a film and music producer, and an actor with roles in the films ATL and Takers. T.I. has both a smooth and tough style as shown in the six albums (I'm Serious, Trap Muzik, Urban Legend, King, T.I. vs. T.I.P. Paper Trail and No Mercy) that he has released. The single Im Serious from his debut album of the same name failed to chat, but he achieved commercial success with his last five albums. He has collaborated with artists like Rihanna on Live Your Life, Eminem on Thats All She Wrote, and Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West on Swagga Like Us, along with artists like Justin Timberlake and Keri Hilson. For six years during his music career, he maintained his spot on urban radio starting with the hit single 24s in 2003 and his last three albums became Top Ten albums.

His career has had its share of controversies that have included shootings, arrests, and probation violations. He released his seventh album No Mercy while serving time an 11-month sentence in jail. The album debuted at number four on Billboard‚200 with collaborations from producers Kanye West and The Neptunes.