T.I. with Special Guest

Finding ways to keep fans anticipating what’s next has always been T.I.’s stock in trade. His distinct flow and lyrical skills drew widespread national attention with 2003’s Trap Muzik. His eight-album catalog includes three consecutive No. 1 debuts on the Billboard 200 (2006’s King, 2007’s T.I. vs. T.I.P. and 2008’s Paper Trail). The rapper also counts a string of hit singles, among them “No Medicore”,“Bring ‘Em Out,” “What You Know,” “Whatever You Like,” “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna and “Dead and Gone” featuring Justin Timberlake. His multi-platinum tally includes a total of four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1’s plus sales of more than 30 million singles and 14 million albums. Along the way, he has collaborated with other such marquee artists as Jay Z, Usher, Jaime Foxx, Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, Drake and Kanye West.

Music isn’t T.I.’s only forte. A published author (“Power & Beauty,” Trouble & Triumph”), he has racked up notable acting credits, including the films “Identity Thief,” “Takers,” “American Gangster” and “ATL” plus a guest-starring role in the Showtime series “House of Lies.” Coming later this year: a role in the upcoming Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell comedy “Get Hard.” The business entrepreneur and community service advocate also stars in VH1’s “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.” Now in its third season, the high-rated unscripted series features his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle and their blended family of six children.