Fresh off his single “Sware Im,” a collaboration with Houston’s own Trae tha Truth, Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr. is planning a one-two punch for his exit strategy from the rap game. He made the announcement on the We In Miami Podcast, published Oct. 17.
“It’s time to evolve beyond career as a rapper,” T.I. said in the interview. “It’s a lot more people carrying the torch and pushing the culture forward.”
The Atlanta lyricist revealed he will be releasing a double album to add to his hitmaking discography upon his retirement from a career spanning two decades. He originally announced his retirement back in 2021, but at that time the final album was named Kill The King and did not include the addition of bonus album Kiss The King.
As far as guest rappers, T.I. is certain one of the singles will feature YoungBoy Never Broke Again, a down south legend in the making who was notoriously perceived as a successful independent rapper despite being ignored by mainstream radio. Since T.I.’s inception into rap in 2001 with the critically-acclaimed album I’m Serious and an incredible five-album platinum run with follow-ups Trap Muzik (2003), Urban Legend (2004), King (2006), T.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007), and Paper Trail (2008), T.I. manifested his self-proclamation as “King of The South” by outworking many of his peers and delivering consistent hits.
One of the founding fathers of trap music, T.I. would go on to release five more studio albums, but even his proven career was susceptible to the dismal changes occurring in an industry he reigned over for so long — alongside Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Jay-Z, of course. The transition to music streaming, an oversaturation of mid artists, and social media’s dilution of celebrity mystery are all factors playing a role in persuading top-tier rappers to diversify their portfolios in different industries.
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The concept is not new to T.I., who transitioned into film as lead in 2006’s ATL, starring Lauren London, Evan Ross, and Jackie Long. He also starred in American Gangster with Denzel Washington, Takers with Idris Elba, Identity Thief with Melissa McCarthy, Dolemite Is My Name with Eddie Murphy, and Ant-Man and the Wasp with Paul Rudd, to name a few.
He later would try his hand in fashion as co-founder of A.K.O.O. streetwear, open two Atlanta nightclubs, and perform stand up comedy. T.I. has also been known to address pressing issues regarding the hip hop and Black community.
“Life is a series of adjustments,” T.I. continued. “You just go through these different stages of life, and you have to continue to learn, grow, and develop these necessary skills to take you to the next plateau in your life. When you stop learning, you start dying.”
