Follow the Leaders: T.I.

See why T.I. is still the king on October 9 at 8P/7C!

"Hallelujah" - T.I. finally addresses his dark prison days on the album's closer, and it's hard not to be touched. Its vital back story explains what fueled the furious, take-no-prisoners performances Tip delivers on some of the album's earlier highlights. Though T.I. is definitely at his best when he goes back to the trap anthems of his past, he shows here that he's learned and evolved since then. He's a more complete artist for it, and Trouble Man is a more complete album. One of the most focused efforts of his career, the album shows he's still the same Tip, but reveals a new, wiser side as well. (Photo: JPG Clifford Joseph Harris Jr/WENN)

1 / 11

Follow the Leaders: T.I. - After close to a decade of being a rap superstar, the self-proclaimed "King of the South" has earned his title. T.I. always brings his A-game and has managed to stay on top in the midst of past controversy. Tip is still building his empire and shows no signs of stopping or slowing day any time soon. He's the true definition of a leader and that's why he'll be hitting the stage at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday October 9 at 8P/7C! (Photo: Clifford Joseph Harris Jr./WireImage)

Born and Raised  - T.I. was born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. in Riverdale, Georgia, in 1980. He moved to Bankhead with his grandparents when he was young and grew up in the Atlanta neighborhood. He was born, raised, and is still living in and reppin' the A. Tip is a certified ATLien. (Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

2 / 11

Born and Raised  - T.I. was born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr. in Riverdale, Georgia, in 1980. He moved to Bankhead with his grandparents when he was young and grew up in the Atlanta neighborhood. He was born, raised, and is still living in and reppin' the A. Tip is a certified ATLien. (Photo: Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

T.I. - Tip is nominated for Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse after giving his post-prison comeback a big boost via his brolic bars on Future's "Magic" remix.  (Photo: Chris McKay/WireImage)

3 / 11

If At First You Don't Succeed... - In 2001, T.I. landed a record deal with Arista. Unfortunately, his debut album tanked despite superstar appearances by Pharrell, Lil' Jon and many more. T.I. later signed with Atlantic and it's been smooth sailing since.(Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Usher's New Look Foundation)

If at First You Don't Succeed... - Tip’s career started with a stumble. Though it already showed off his kingly confidence and slick bars — not to mention collabos with the Neptunes, Lil Jon and many more — his 2001 debut album, I’m Serious, missed the mark commercially, and he was dropped from his label, Arista.  (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Usher's New Look Foundation)

4 / 11

Hustle Hard - After signing with Atlantic Records, T.I. stepped his business game up and started building his empire with his record label imprint, Grand Hustle. Notable acts on his label include Iggy Azalea and B.o.B., so T.I. is currently winning.   (Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images for Usher's New Look Foundation)

"The Way We Ride" - T.I. steps out of his comfort zone with his sung hook over the woozy next-millennium Houston lean of the Futuristiks production, but it works. "Top down, ride clean," the screwed sample on the hook repeats, and this is the perfect song for just that.  (Photo: Courtesy James Ravenell/Hot 97)

5 / 11

Trap Star - In 2003, T.I. released his first successful solo record, Trap Musik, with the hits "Rubber Band Man" and "24s." The album went platinum and started him on his way to the throne. (Photo: Courtesy James Ravenell/Hot 97)

ADVERTISEMENT
All Falls Down - Tip had his day of reckoning in 2009, when he was sentenced to a year in jail for his 2007 arrest on weapons charges.  (Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)

6 / 11

Urban Legend - "Bring 'Em Out," "ASAP" and "You Don't Know Me" are probably the most memorable hits from the early years of T.I.'s career.  (Photo: Paul Hawthorne/Getty Images)

The King Has Arrived - 2006 was a huge year for T.I. He released his multiplatinum album King, starred in his first major film, ATL, won a Grammy for "What You Know," and went mainstream with his Justin Timberlake collab, "My Love." (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

7 / 11

The King Has Arrived - 2006 was a huge year for T.I. He released his multiplatinum album King, starred in his first major film, ATL, won a Grammy for "What You Know," and went mainstream with his Justin Timberlake collab, "My Love." (Photo: M. Caulfield/WireImage.com)

T.I., "No Matter What" - Tip's outspoken confidence has always recalled Ali in his prime, so it makes sense that he shouts out the champ on "No Matter What":I was born without a dimeOut the gutta I climbedSpoke my mindAnd didn't stutter one timeAli say even the greatest gotta suffer some time(Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

8 / 11

Alter Ego - A year after the release of the extremely successful album, King T.I. released his number one album, T.I. vs. Tip, featuring "Big Things Poppin'."  (Photo: Vince Bucci/PictureGroup)

The Crossover - In 2006, Tip went from trap star to rap star to pop star with the release of his fourth album, King, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 thanks to the signature smash "What You Know," which won a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance. That same year, T.I. linked with Justin Timberlake for the hit single "My Love," which won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The King finally had his crown.  (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

9 / 11

Leave a Trail - Tip's highest selling album to date is 2008's Paper Trail. The album featured collaborations with Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Weezy and Kanye. It's a modern day classic, hands down! (Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)

Yin and Yang - 2007 was a year of opposites for Tip: He released yet another No. 1 album, T.I. vs. Tip, in July, but just three months later, he was arrested for weapons possession and facing a possible ten-year prison sentence.   (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

10 / 11

The Novelist - Last year, T.I. released his first novel, Power & Beauty, and just a few weeks ago he released his second novel,Trouble & Triumph. That's what it takes to build an empire. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BET)

"Addresses" - T.I. recovers from "Cruisin'" by going to war on "Addresses." He's said in interviews that this song is a diss, though he refused to say who it's addressing. Whoever the target is, best believe they're smarting — Tip lands some major body blows here.   (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

11 / 11

Master Lyricist - With his troubles hopefully behind him, T.I. is gearing up heavy for a comeback with his eighth studio album,Trouble Man. He has plans on keeping his throne and showing you why he's still hip hop royalty onstage at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards airing October 9 at 8P/7C! (Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)