As of October 2008, T.I. has had nine Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles, with 3 of them reaching number 1 ("My Love" by Justin Timberlake on which T.I. was featured, "Whatever You Like," & "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna).
The Love This Life Songfacts reports that Love This Life, the first official single from T.I.'s eighth album, Trouble Man, was released on April 2, 2012 via YouTube.
T.I. is from Bankhead, Atlanta, Georgia and was raised by his grandparents. T.I. explained the origin of his nickname Rubber Band Man, saying, "We used to wear rubber bands to signify how much money, how much blow we had." He was nicknamed "Tip" after his paternal great-grandfather. Upon signing with Arista Records subsidiary LaFace Records in 2001, he shortened his name to T.I. out of respect for label mate Q-Tip.
T.I. has been in a relationship with former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle since 2001. Together, they have two sons: King and Major Harris. He has three other children with ex-girlfriend Lashon Dixon: Domani, Messiah and Deyjah. Overall, T.I. has five children.
T.I. was co-executive producer of B.G.'s upcoming album and making beats for artists like Mariah Carey, Cassidy, Rick Ross, Maino, B.o.B., Yung Joc, Young Dro, and himself. He also executive produced the soundtrack to the film Hustle & Flow and released the collection through his record label.
Act I: T.I.P.
T.I. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Three Grammy nominations)
(With the second highest debut on the Hip Hop)
(If you look left, there's a monkey next)
(Sentenced to probation)
(BBC)
(Philant John)
(Philant Johnson, gunned down)
(Suffered a miscarriage)
(A-T-L opens with a)
(Featuring with the acting debut of rapper T.I.)
Man, I ain't sign up for this shit
I lost my partner, I lost my life homes
Man fuck this shit, I'm done
Ayy
Listen, homes, get Atlantic on the phone, go on call 'em
And tell Craig, Julie, Kev, and Kys, I need to holla at 'em
First I gotta let 'em know I'm tired of rappin'
Fuck the money, ever since Phil died, I ain't happy
Hey, what's happenin', we under new operations
Though we ready for whatever, we like ya cooperation better
Listen when I'm talkin', throw it off, I ain't patient
I'ma tell ya once then start countin' shell cases
Don't mean to scare you but this bullshit is irritatin'
I'ma tell you like it is shawty, I ain't finna play
I feel like another case comin' 'round the corner any day
I know the consequences, I'm the same nigga anyway
It's way more important what I'm finna say
Do what I say or I ain't droppin' shit 'til twenty twenty-eight
(Who gives a fuck if he comes on the 20th for 28th?)
(He said the year 2028 you fucking moron)
A list of guys wanna be hot shit
It's T.I.P. from here on out, fuck that T.I. shit
Give a damn what any nigga gotta say 'bout this
Yeah, I think it's best to say I did it
Don't be e-mailin' no itineraries, I won't get it
Ya best bet just holla when they fill the jet
Tell Cindy ain't no photo shoots and I ain't interviewin'
Refuse and I'll build a subdivision and shoot a dozen movies
(Cash that check and be spendin' our money)
You right about that honey, thanks for doin' that for me
(Speakin' of money) you can always buy me out but the price high
I ain't none of T.I. nigga, no more Mr. Nice Guy
Listen kid, understand me here (what?)
This is Lyor Cohen (yeah yeah)
You better treat this company with some respect
And you better not be playing with my motherfuckin' money
Oh, I got ya motherfuckin' money partner, but I ain't playin'
You got any sense, you'll do what the fuck I say
I say no goddamn album
And that ain't no threat, that's a motherfuckin' promise jack
Come and see me if you want it
Get it like the Red Cross nigga
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp (if you'd like to make a call, please hang up and try again)
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp (if you need help, hang up and then dial your operator)
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
The lyrics to T.I.'s "Act I: T.I.P." are a reflection of the rapper's struggles and hardships. T.I. starts off by expressing his frustration with the music industry and his decision to walk away. He has lost people close to him, including his partner and friend Philant Johnson who was killed in a shooting. He suffers a miscarriage, and his troubles have taken a toll on him. T.I. says that he doesn't care about money anymore and that he needs to take a break from rapping. He feels that he has lost his happiness since losing Philant.
The rest of the lyrics see T.I. taking control of his situation. He tells his associates that he needs to speak with them and that he wants their cooperation. The rapper also makes it clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect himself and his family, even if it means resorting to violence. Lyor Cohen, the CEO of Atlantic Records, calls T.I. to warn him about playing with the company's money. T.I. responds by threatening the label and telling them that he won't release any music until he gets what he wants.
Overall, "Act I: T.I.P." is a powerful reflection of T.I.'s life and the challenges that he faced during that time. The rapper was dealing with personal trauma, loss of loved ones, and a difficult industry that he felt didn't support him. Despite this, T.I. remained committed to his own vision and was willing to fight for what he believed in.
Line by Line Meaning
Man, I ain't sign up for this shit
I didn't expect to deal with these problems
I lost my partner, I lost my life homes
The death of Philant Johnson impacted me deeply
Man fuck this shit, I'm done
I'm fed up and want to quit
Listen, homes, get Atlantic on the phone, go on call 'em
Call Atlantic Records and get them on the phone
And tell Craig, Julie, Kev, and Kys, I need to holla at 'em
Get in touch with specific people at the label
First I gotta let 'em know I'm tired of rappin'
I'm getting burnt out from my music career
Fuck the money, ever since Phil died, I ain't happy
The loss of Philant Johnson has impacted me more than any amount of money could make up for
Hey, what's happenin', we under new operations
There are new developments at the label
Though we ready for whatever, we like ya cooperation better
We're willing to work with the label if they cooperate with us
Listen when I'm talkin', throw it off, I ain't patient
Pay attention to me and don't waste my time
I'ma tell ya once then start countin' shell cases
If you don't listen, there will be consequences
Don't mean to scare you but this bullshit is irritatin'
I'm annoyed and frustrated with this situation
I'ma tell you like it is shawty, I ain't finna play
I'm going to be straight with you, no games
I feel like another case comin' 'round the corner any day
I'm anticipating legal problems in the near future
I know the consequences, I'm the same nigga anyway
I'm aware of the risks and I'm still going to be myself
It's way more important what I'm finna say
What I have to say is more important than anything else
Do what I say or I ain't droppin' shit 'til twenty twenty-eight
Follow my instructions or I won't release any music until 2028
(Who gives a fuck if he comes on the 20th for 28th?)
(He said the year 2028 you fucking moron)
A humorous exchange implying that someone misunderstood the previous line
A list of guys wanna be hot shit
There are many people who want to be successful
It's T.I.P. from here on out, fuck that T.I. shit
I'm changing my stage name to T.I.P.
Give a damn what any nigga gotta say 'bout this
I don't care what anyone else thinks or says about it
Yeah, I think it's best to say I did it
I'm taking responsibility for my decisions
Don't be e-mailin' no itineraries, I won't get it
Don't send me any travel plans by email
Ya best bet just holla when they fill the jet
Let me know when the private jet is ready
Tell Cindy ain't no photo shoots and I ain't interviewin'
Don't schedule any photo shoots or interviews
Refuse and I'll build a subdivision and shoot a dozen movies
If you don't comply, I'll use my wealth to do something else
(Cash that check and be spendin' our money)
(You right about that honey, thanks for doin' that for me)
A conversation about how to spend money they've earned
(Speakin' of money) you can always buy me out but the price high
I'm not interested in selling my music or name for a low price
I ain't none of T.I. nigga, no more Mr. Nice Guy
I'm changing my image to be more aggressive
Listen kid, understand me here (what?)
This is Lyor Cohen (yeah yeah)
You better treat this company with some respect
And you better not be playing with my motherfuckin' money
A call from Lyor Cohen of Atlantic Records, warning T.I.P. to be careful with their business dealings
Oh, I got ya motherfuckin' money partner, but I ain't playin'
I have their money, but I'm not messing around
You got any sense, you'll do what the fuck I say
It's in their best interest to listen to me
I say no goddamn album
I'm not going to release an album
And that ain't no threat, that's a motherfuckin' promise jack
I'm serious about my decision
Come and see me if you want it
If they have an issue with me, they should confront me directly
Get it like the Red Cross nigga
I'm determined to get what I want
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp (if you'd like to make a call, please hang up and try again)
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp (if you need help, hang up and then dial your operator)
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
Hustle pimp, hustle pimp
A final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the hustle mentality
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Corey Simon, Kannon Caviar Cross, Clifford Joseph Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matthewanderson9754
The struggle within himself is so legit, it's so amazing he can put it into lyrics and beats.
@Bkaithaone
Still one of the best hip hop albums ever. I can go a couple of years without listening to it, come back and its like the first time all over again.
@208AMBASSADOR
Me right now
@ericseanlynch
facts people sleep on tip so bad I compare this to Jesus piece by game classics that never really got the recognition they deserved
@jarvasedundy1
Facts
@litsitsomasemene3798
Still is🔥🔥😮💨
@tazmaniandevil8056
FAX Best album he ever did
@yusufmac5397
My first CD I brought with my money as a kid. Had it on repeat everyday in my last year of primary school. The good days. Coming back to this story line as an adult now is still top tier. Bangers for days
@BlackJohnnyCage
A Masterpiece that's forgotten about to the masses. True Atlanta music.
@ripkooly6391
BlackJohnnyCage Exactly