Iconic rapper T.I., widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Southern hip-hop, has announced plans to retire from live performances after his upcoming set at the Jingle Ball 2024. The rapper, who dominated the 2000s with a string of hit albums and singles, made the emotional announcement during a recent appearance on Atlanta’s 96.1 radio station.
In a candid conversation, T.I. revealed that the December 19 show at State Farm Arena would be his last. “I appreciate y’all,” he told the 96.1 hosts, his voice tinged with emotion as he wiped his eyes. “Offering me my last working gig. I do not need the money anymore and I will not be performing.” T.I., born Clifford Harris, went on to say that he simply no longer wants to perform. “I don’t wanna do it anymore. I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.”
The Jingle Ball 2024 lineup, where T.I. will take the stage for the final time, is set to feature a star-studded cast, including T-Pain, Sexyy Red, Tinashe, and Khalid. T.I.’s decision to bow out from live performances comes after years of hinting at retirement, so while the news may have caught fans off guard, it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
Back in 2023, T.I. teased his plans to retire, revealing that his final musical efforts would come in the form of two albums. “My last album is Kill the King, which will be, you know, edgy, energetic,” he explained to Baller Alert at the time. “So I’ma end up doing two albums. One will be Kiss the King, and the other will be Kill the King.” Though neither album has seen a release yet, T.I. seems firm in his decision to step away from the limelight, both musically and on stage.
In his 96.1 interview, T.I. further explained that one of the reasons for his retirement was financial stability, especially following a massive legal win. T.I. and his wife, Tiny, recently won a $71 million lawsuit against MGA Entertainment. The lawsuit centered around intellectual property claims regarding the OMG Girlz, a girl group the couple had helped launch. MGA Entertainment was found to have infringed on their intellectual property, and the ruling resulted in a significant financial victory for the couple.
Reflecting on the ruling, T.I. told Rolling Stone, “I mean, wow. They did more than I thought they would. They blessed us more than beyond.” With this financial windfall and the rapper’s decades-long career in the industry, it’s no surprise that T.I. feels it’s the right time to step away.
T.I.’s contributions to hip-hop are undeniable, and his retirement from performing will mark the end of an era. As he takes the stage one last time at Jingle Ball 2024, fans will get a final chance to see a Southern rap legend close out a remarkable chapter of his career.