T.I. has long proclaimed himself as the ‘King of the South’, a title that stirred quite the controversy in the hip-hop community. He recalls approaching hip-hop legends to seek their permission before embracing the moniker.
His journey wasn’t easy, facing skepticism and critical advice from the likes of OutKast, Scarface, and Bun B. The Atlanta native shares his experiences on what it meant to carry such a bold title.
When T.I. first declared himself the ‘King of the South’, he didn’t just do it overnight. In a conversation with AllHipHop, he shared that he sought the blessings of hip-hop giants like OutKast, Scarface, and Bun B. T.I. approached them humbly, keen to understand their thoughts on his self-proclamation.
André 3000, with his philosophical outlook, questioned, “What does it really mean to be king?” This thought-provoking question left T.I. pondering, emphasizing the deeper implications of the title he chose to bear.
The decision to put the title to rest with his final album, Kill The King, marked a significant turning point. This album signifies leaving behind the ego-driven identity, as he said on several platforms, and head towards personal and artistic growth.
“When people started telling me ‘You can’t call yourself that.’ I said, ‘Who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can’t call MYSELF,’” T.I. declared. This audacity cemented his ownership of the title, setting him apart from naysayers.
Even as he moves past it, the experience of being the ‘King of the South’ stays with him. It’s not just a chapter closing, but a book filled with triumphs, hardships, and unyielding resolve.
With his legacy intact, T.I. prepares to usher in a new phase of his career, leaving behind the ‘King of the South’ title. His journey shows that while titles may define moments, they don’t bind an artist’s entire identity. T.I. stands as a testament to resilience and growth in hip hop.
With his legacy intact, T.I. prepares to usher in a new phase of his career, leaving behind the ‘King of the South’ title. His journey shows that while titles may define moments, they don’t bind an artist’s entire identity. T.I. stands as a testament to resilience and growth in hip hop.
