T.I. Announces Retirement After Dec. 19 Performance at Atlanta's Jingle Ball

HOTSPOTATL, via Wikimedia Commons

After a career spanning two decades, T.I., the Atlanta rap legend known for hits like “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life,” has announced he will retire from performing after his upcoming show at Atlanta's Jingle Ball concert on Dec. 19.

The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, made the announcement during an appearance on 96.1 The Beat’s afternoon show Rari at 2, hosted by Ferrari Simmons and BT. T.I. revealed that his final performance will take place at the station’s annual holiday concert at State Farm Arena, where he is set to headline alongside T-Pain, Sexxy Red, Saweetie, Khalid, Tinashe and The Kid Laroi.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 96.1 The Beat #Atlanta (@thebeatatl)

“I appreciate y’all for offering me my last working gig because I do not need the money anymore, and I will not be performing,” T.I. said. “I don’t want to do it anymore… I don’t want people to pay me to hop around and sweat for their entertainment anymore.”

T.I. shared that while he’s stepping back from regular performances, he is not completely closing the door on future appearances, leaving room for possible stage returns on his own terms.

T.I., Tiny & OMG Girlz win massive $71 million jury award at OMG Girlz infringement/appropriation trial against L.O.L. Surprise dollmaker MGA Entertainment

$17,872,359 in real damages

$53,616,759 in punitive damages

— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 23, 2024

The rapper’s decision to retire comes on the heels of a significant legal victory. Last month, T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, were awarded $71 million in a lawsuit against toymaker MGA Entertainment. The couple claimed that MGA’s “OMG Dolls” line had misappropriated the likeness and style of the OMG Girlz, a teen pop group founded by Tiny and featuring her daughter, Zonnique Pullins. The group, which gained popularity in the early 2010s, was known for their colorful outfits and distinct hairstyles.

Tameka “Tiny” Harris and OMG Girlz leaving court after winning eye-popping $71 million jury award

Jury found MGA Entertainment, maker of “L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G.” dolls, violated the trade dress, name, image and likeness of the OMG Girlz pic.twitter.com/THFCnvhf2v

— Nancy Dillon (@Nancy__Dillon) September 24, 2024

T.I.’s comments about not needing the money anymore reflect the financial security that the lawsuit win has provided. “Of course, I’ll still answer the phone, but it’s to tell them I won’t be performing,” T.I. joked during the interview.

This isn’t the first time T.I. has hinted at stepping back from music. In an appearance on the "We In Miami" podcast last October, the rapper discussed plans for one final album, a double project titled "Kill the King and Kiss the King," which he has yet to release.