T.I., known as the “King of the South,” has had a prolific career, filled with chart-topping hits and groundbreaking tracks that have shaped the sound of Southern hip-hop. From his early days in the streets of Atlanta to becoming a global rap icon, T.I. has delivered numerous memorable songs. Here’s a list of his top 10 songs that not only showcase his lyrical prowess but also reflect his versatility as an artist.
1. What You Know (2006)
Widely considered one of T.I.’s signature tracks, What You Know is an anthem that perfectly captures his rise to prominence. The song’s hook is infectious, and the beat is quintessentially Southern. With its hard-hitting lyrics and catchy refrain, it became a staple in clubs and on the radio. The track’s success marked T.I.’s arrival as one of the top rappers of his generation, solidifying his “King of the South” title.
2. Live Your Life (featuring Rihanna) (2008)
A massive crossover hit, Live Your Life brought together T.I.’s street-smart lyricism and Rihanna’s infectious hook to create an anthem about overcoming adversity. The song blends pop and hip-hop seamlessly, and its uplifting message resonated with fans worldwide. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of T.I.’s most commercially successful songs.
3. Whatever You Like (2008)
Another huge hit from Paper Trail, Whatever You Like is an example of T.I.’s ability to make smooth, radio-friendly tracks while still keeping his authenticity. The song’s hook is unforgettable, and T.I.’s effortless delivery and confidence in the lyrics made it a fan favorite. It went on to become one of T.I.’s most commercially successful tracks, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
4. Dead and Gone (featuring Justin Timberlake) (2008)
Dead and Gone is a reflective track where T.I. opens up about the struggles he faced while dealing with legal issues and life in the spotlight. The song features a soulful hook from Justin Timberlake, complementing T.I.’s introspective lyrics. The track was a commercial hit and became one of the standout songs from Paper Trail.
5. Rubber Band Man (2003)
From his album Trap Muzik, Rubber Band Man is a song that helped define the sound of Southern hip-hop in the early 2000s. With its catchy beat and T.I.’s signature street storytelling, the song quickly became a fan favorite. It also helped T.I. gain mainstream attention and solidify his place in hip-hop.
6. Bring ‘Em Out (2004)
Bring ‘Em Out is a high-energy anthem that quickly became a crowd favorite. With a hard-hitting beat and T.I.’s commanding flow, the song became a staple in clubs and arenas. The track’s memorable hook and catchy chorus made it one of T.I.’s best-loved tracks, and it remains a crowd favorite at his live performances.
7. No Mediocre (featuring Iggy Azalea) (2014)
Released as a single from Paperwork, No Mediocre sees T.I. teaming up with Iggy Azalea for a high-energy track. The song is a celebration of living life to the fullest and rejecting mediocrity. With a catchy beat and memorable verses from both T.I. and Iggy, the track became a club banger and received significant radio play.
8. What’s Up, What’s Haapnin’ (2003)
What’s Up, What’s Haapnin’ is a classic example of T.I.’s early work and his ability to make catchy hooks and hard-hitting verses. The song was a breakthrough track from his album Trap Muzik and helped introduce T.I. to a larger audience. The track’s infectious energy and street-centric lyrics made it an anthem for Southern rap fans.
9. Why You Wanna (2006)
From the King album, Why You Wanna is a smooth track that showcases T.I.’s ability to balance club anthems with introspective themes. The song’s catchy hook, combined with T.I.’s laid-back delivery, made it an instant hit. It reflects T.I.’s versatility as an artist, able to create both radio hits and songs with deeper emotional undertones.
10. 24’s (2003)
A standout track from Trap Muzik, 24’s is an ode to T.I.’s rise to success and his lifestyle of luxury. With its catchy beat and memorable hook, the song quickly became a favorite in the Southern rap scene. The track helped cement T.I.’s place as one of the top artists in hip-hop and remains a classic in his catalog.
T.I.’s career is filled with timeless tracks that showcase his evolution as an artist. From the gritty anthems of Trap Muzik to the introspective hits on Paper Trail, T.I. has consistently delivered songs that resonate with fans. Whether he’s addressing street life, reflecting on personal growth, or creating bangers for the club, T.I. has proven himself to be one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history. These 10 songs represent some of the best work from the King of the South and continue to define his legacy in the rap game.
