In the fiercely competitive world of hip-hop, few artists have managed to remain relevant while simultaneously building a diverse portfolio of business ventures quite like Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., known to the world as T.I.
From the gritty streets of Atlanta, Georgia, T.I emerged as a formidable force in the music scene, imprinting the landscape with his distinctive blend of southern style and entrepreneurial prowess. Crowned the “King of the South,” T.I has not only set the charts ablaze since his debut album “I’m Serious” in 2001, but he has also astutely navigated the business world, amassing an empire that extends far beyond the microphone.
As a Grammy Award-winning artist, T.I’s influence permeates the entertainment industry, where he has collaborated with a constellation of stars, from Eminem to Justin Timberlake. However, the depth of his ambition is most clearly seen in his ventures outside of music. The “What You Know” rapper has transitioned seamlessly into various arenas, leveraging his perspicacity to establish a presence in sectors including nightlife, food service, and construction, not to mention his foundational record label and media company, Grand Hustle.
Join Billionaires.Africa as we delve into seven business ventures that the King of the South controls.
- A.K.O.O Clothing
Founded in 2008 by T.I and his manager Jason Geter, both co-founders of Atlanta-based record label Grand Hustle Entertainment, A.K.O.O, an acronym for A King Of Oneself, is a contemporary streetwear apparel brand inspired by Americana culture, designed for men and women of exceptional style, character and creativity. They sell clothing, fashion bags and accessories. - Grand Hustle Records
Grand Hustle Records (formerly Grand Hustle Entertainment), also known as Hustle Gang Music, is an Atlanta, Georgia–based hip hop record label, founded in 2003, by T.I. and Geter. - Visionmob
VisionMob is a banner under Grand Hustle in which T.I. directs and or produces music videos. - Grand Hustle Tech
Grand Hustle Tech is an investment arm of T.I’s empire which has made several investments in Atlanta-based startups including fintech app Mulaah and early-stage logistics and supply chain tech company, Sudu. - Buy The Block
Buy The Block is a venture owned by T.I that blends and aligns real estate with community development. - Trap Music Museum
Founded by T.I. and business associate William “Bem” Sparks, Trap Music Museum (TMM) is the world’s first hip-hop museum and the first hip-hop museum ever to celebrate the culture of southern-based trap music. - Trap City Café Restaurant
Trap City Cafe is an American restaurant located in the heart of Bankhead. A cultural hot spot inspired by local art and music.
