T.I. signed to Arista Records' subsidiary LaFace Records in 2001. He was a member of an underground posse known as Grand Hustle, and generated buzz after releasing his critically acclaimed debut album I'm Serious, which spawned the hit single of the same title which featured reggae vocalist Beenie Man. His debut included Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes, Jazze Pha and The Youngbloodz.

Due to lack of promotion he left LaFace Records and Arista. After a two year hiatus, he reemerged on Bone Crusher's single Neva Scared and from that success T.I. was quickly signed to Atlantic Records. His success since his departure from Arista came from his gold-selling sophomore album Trap Muzik.

Trap Muzik quickly became one of the fastest-selling albums in the southern rap genre, featuring the hits "24s", "Rubberband Man", and "Be Easy". The success of the album was followed by some controversy: while on tour, T.I. was arrested and charged for violating his probation over a 1998 drug charge. He was sentenced to three years in prison. While there he was granted rights to film the music video for the single "Let's Get Away".