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T.I. Earns Platinum Plaque for 'Let 'Em Know' Amidst Retirement Plans — Melanin News | Melanin
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T.I. Earns Platinum Plaque for 'Let 'Em Know' Amidst Retirement PlansHip-Hop

T.I. Earns Platinum Plaque for 'Let 'Em Know' Amidst Retirement Plans

3w ago

Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., known to the world as T.I. or Tip, is making headlines once again, not with a retirement announcement, but with a fresh commercial victory. The Atlanta-bred rapper's track "Let 'Em Know" has officially been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a significant achievement as he gears up to conclude his storied recording career.

The platinum plaque signifies that "Let 'Em Know" has moved the equivalent of 1,000,000 units in the United States, a testament to its widespread appeal. This latest honor builds on the song's earlier success; it first earned RIAA Gold certification on April 6, 2026, for 500,000 units. Reports at the time indicated it was the first single across all genres to reach Gold status in 2026. T.I. took to Instagram to share his gratitude, stating, "Maaaan in all the touring,traveling and vacationing wit the family... I forgot to tell yall that this happened!!!! #LetEmKnow #Platinum S/O all the DJs the PDs & Da Dopest fans in the world who made this possible."

T.I.
T.I. Source

Released on January 18, 2026, "Let 'Em Know" served as the lead single from "Kill the King," the album T.I. has positioned as his twelfth and final studio project. The "bouncy" and "braggadocious" track, produced by the legendary Pharrell Williams, quickly resonated with fans. It debuted at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number 33, marking T.I.'s highest-charting single since 2014.

Born on September 25, 1980, in Atlanta, Georgia, T.I. is widely recognized as a pioneer of trap music and a three-time Grammy winner. His career spans over two decades, boasting influential albums like "Trap Muzik" from 2003 and the chart-topping "Paper Trail" in 2008. His collaboration with Pharrell Williams on "Let 'Em Know" is a continuation of a long-standing partnership that began with T.I.'s debut album, *I'm Serious*, in 2001, and included Williams executive producing T.I.'s 2014 album *Paperwork*.

The recording process for "Let 'Em Know" was far from conventional. T.I. recounted to *People* magazine that the track was recorded "On a yacht in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean." He explained his creative process, sharing, "I mean, the things I write are inspired by life experiences, memories, interactions, epiphanies." This unique environment seemingly fueled the creation of a track that has resonated deeply with listeners.

Pharrell Williams production discography
Pharrell Williams production discography Source

As T.I. moves towards the June 26, 2026, release of "Kill the King," anticipation is high not just for his farewell to recording, but also for the caliber of collaborators. Beyond Pharrell Williams, legendary producer Dr. Dre has also contributed music to the project. T.I. previously revealed that Dr. Dre "blessed me with a record." The album is also set to feature appearances from Anderson .Paak and a singer named Stallone on a track titled "Where I'm From." This isn't the first time T.I. and Dr. Dre have joined forces, having previously collaborated on the 2016 track "Dope."

Currently, T.I. is not slowing down; he’s on "The King Succession Tour," which kicked off on July 8 in Phoenix and is slated to conclude on August 15 in San Francisco. This tour is a family affair, with his sons Domani and King Harris performing as opening acts. T.I. is a father of seven children—Zonnique Pullins, Messiah Ya'Majesty Harris, Domani Uriah Harris, Deyjah Imani Harris, Clifford "King" Joseph Harris III, Major Philant Harris, and Heiress Diana Harris—many of whom are also pursuing their own musical endeavors, including Messiah as Buddy Red, King as Kid Saiyan, and Zonnique, who was part of The OMG Girlz before embarking on a solo career.

This platinum certification is a powerful statement of T.I.'s enduring influence and commercial strength in the music industry. It highlights that his planned retirement from recording is not a quiet retreat into nostalgia, but rather a vibrant victory lap marked by fresh achievements and a continued ability to connect with diverse audiences across generations. The success of "Let 'Em Know" and the buzz around "Kill the King" underscore T.I.'s lasting impact on hip-hop culture, cementing his legacy as he transitions into this new phase of his career.