What Is T.I.’s Net Worth?
Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., most famously known as T.I., boasts a substantial net worth estimated at $30 million as of February 2025. This figure represents the combined assets he holds with his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, his partner since 2001 and spouse since 2010. This calculation includes a significant $71 million judgment awarded in September 2024, stemming from a successful copyright infringement lawsuit against MGA Entertainment.
T.I.’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 25, 1980, in Alabama, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. spent his formative years in Atlanta’s Center Hill neighborhood, under the care of his grandparents. From the young age of eight, T.I. began rapping, demonstrating an early inclination towards music. While specific details on his early earnings are not available, his early exposure to the streets led him to dealing drugs. He later earned the nickname “Rubber Band Man” for wearing rubber bands to showcase his earnings. In 1999, T.I. secured his first major-label record deal with LaFace Records, a subsidiary of Arista Records. Though this initial deal did not bring immediate success, it laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
The Rise to Fame and Notable Albums
T.I.’s breakthrough came after signing with Atlantic Records and establishing his own label, Grand Hustle Records, in 2003. His album, “Trap Muzik,” also released in 2003, was a pivotal moment, spawning hits like “24’s” and “Rubber Band Man.” It marked a shift in the hip-hop landscape by popularizing the trap music subgenre, alongside artists such as Gucci Mane and Jeezy. As of today, T.I. has released ten studio albums, with seven reaching the top five on the Billboard 200 charts. His single “Live Your Life” soared to the number one spot, replacing his own song “Whatever You Like,” which had previously held the top position. This achievement placed him among a small group of artists to simultaneously hold the top two spots on the charts.
Key Milestones in Music
In 2003, T.I.’s prominence grew following his featured appearance on Bone Crusher’s hit single “Never Scared.” His album “Urban Legend” was released the following year, after he and Lil Wayne appeared on Destiny’s Child hit “Soldier.” The year 2008 marked a significant achievement with the release of “Paper Trail,” his most successful album and his third to reach #1. “Paper Trail” showcased T.I.’s growth as an artist. In 2013, after his 10-year deal with Atlantic Records ended, T.I. signed with Columbia Records. He subsequently released “Paperwork” in 2014 and “Dime Trap” in 2018, continuing to evolve his sound and message.
Earnings from Acting and Television Ventures
Beyond his music career, T.I. has made appearances in films like “ATL,” “Takers,” “Get Hard,” “Identity Thief,” and “Ant-Man,” and its sequel. His role in “Ant-Man” is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also appeared in television shows like “T.I.’s Road to Redemption,” “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle,” and “The Grand Hustle.” The specific earnings from these acting roles are not fully detailed, but these ventures contribute to his total earnings.
Business Ventures: Grand Hustle Records
In 2003, T.I. founded Grand Hustle Records, which has served as a platform for numerous artists. While the financial specifics of Grand Hustle Records are not publicly available, successful management and promotion of artists certainly play a role in contributing to his overall net worth.
Legal Battles: OMG Girlz Lawsuit
T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris co-created the teen pop group OMG Girlz in 2009. One of the members was their daughter Zonnique Pullins. The group released a handful of singles but was mostly known for their distinctive hairstyles and costumes. The case centered around a claim that MGA Entertainment’s “L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Dolls” infringed on the copyright of the OMG Girlz due to similarities in appearance. Initially, they sought $100 million in damages. The first trial ended in a mistrial when jurors heard testimony that accused the company of “cultural appropriation.” In July 2023, a jury found that MGA had not violated any copyright or trademark of OMG Girlz. The couple were ordered to pay MGA $6 million to cover its attorney’s fees. In September 2023, T.I. and Tiny were granted a retrial. At the THIRD trial’s conclusion in September 2024, the jury found in favor of T.I. and Tiny, ordering MGA Entertainment to pay a $71 million in damages to the couple, made up of $17.9 million in compensatory damages and $53.6 million in punitive damages. This substantial victory significantly impacted T.I.’s overall financial status.
Past Tax Issues
T.I. and Tiny have faced multiple issues with the IRS. In 2012, they received a lien for $1,397,283.47, followed by a second lien in 2013 for $3,173,476.39. By 2015, their tax payments and penalty debt totaled $4.5 million, and by 2018, the debt was reportedly $6.2 million. In March 2018, the couple paid $1 million towards the debt. While the specifics of how these debts were ultimately resolved remain private, resolving these tax issues was crucial for maintaining his net worth.
Real Estate: Atlanta Mansion
In January 2020, T.I. and Tiny acquired a 14,000-square-foot mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, for $3.27 million. Located in a private gated community, this property features a large pool, spa, gym, and outdoor fireplace. Real estate assets contribute substantially to his overall net worth, although precise details regarding other properties are not readily available.
Past Cryptocurrency Lawsuit
T.I. was involved in a cryptocurrency project called the FliK Token in 2017. In September 2020, T.I. settled with the Securities and Exchange Commission, agreeing to pay a civil monetary penalty of $75,000. This was related to allegations that he promoted and sold FLiK tokens on his social media accounts, inaccurately claiming to be a co-owner. The settlement also included an agreement not to participate in offerings or sales of digital-asset securities for at least five years. The lawsuit was related to the founder’s claims about how much FLiK Token’s value would increase in a short period of time. At launch, it was worth a reported six cents per token, but the founder promised investors that it would be up around $14.99 per token after 15 months. After an initial increase of six cents to 21 cents, the tokens completely cratered.
Jewelry Lawsuit Settlement
In 2016, Aydin & Co, a jewelry store in Georgia, sued T.I. for allegedly owing them money for jewelry. The company claimed that T.I. owed over $400,000. They gave the rapper an 18.5 karat white gold bracelet, a ring and a yellow gold rosary. He paid the store $20,000, but the bill for the three pieces was $64,000. As a result, the store sued the rapper for a grand total of $755,000. In September 2018, the case was settled out of court. The specifics of the settlement are not available.