Interviewee: T.I.
Interviewee: CNN
Date: March 27, 2009

T.I. – real name: Clifford James Harris Jr – is an American rapper, recording artist, as well as a music and film producer. He formed and currently co-runs Grand Hustle Records.

Born on September 25th 1980, T.I. is from Riverdale, Atlanta, Georgia and is the son of Violeta Morgan and Clifford Harris Sr. He was raised in Bankhead, Atlanta by his grandparents. He started rapping when he was only seven. He studied at Douglass High School. A rebel teenager, he would cut class to hang out with the crowds.

Although he was involved in illegal engagements, he finally had his break after he was discovered by record executive Kawan “KP” Prather, who signed him up with Arista Records. He originally had the nickname “Tip” but decided not to use it in respect to rapper Q-Tip.

Throughout his career, he has had several studio albums, including I’m Serious (2001), Trap Muzik (2003), Urban Legend (2004), King (2006), T.I. vs T.I.P. (2007) and Paper Trail (2008). At present, he is working on his new album titled King Uncaged.

Apart from music, T.I. has also dabbled into acting. In fact, in 2006, he starred in his debut movie, ATL, directed by Christopher Robinson, playing the role of Rashad Swann. He joined cast members Keith David, Jason Weaver, Evan Ross, Lauren London, Mykelti Williamson and Antoine Patton. He was also in American Gangster with rappers RZA and Common.

T.I.’s latest studio album will be released just in time for the August 2010 opening of his new film, Takers, where he co-stars with Paul Walker, Matt Dillon, Zoe Saldana, and Hayden Christensen.