Rapper, actor and reality TV star T.I. is widely considered an O.G. – both in the hip hop community and in his household. The father of seven has learned a great deal during his journey as a parent, but it all began with the birth of his eldest son Messiah.
Tip shared a deeply heartfelt message to Messiah, who just celebrated his 19th birthday (warning: tissues may be needed!) “Happy 19th to my first born… @phase_4 you truly changed my life,” he wrote. “I was selling crack on S.Grand ave off Bankhead when your mom told me she was pregnant with you. I was signed,working on my first album,on my way to greatness by the time you were born. I accredit you for changing my life son…and for that… I THANK YOU!!!
“With love and support 4LIFE!!! You were the perfect kid in school and at home. Can’t wait to see where your journey as a man may lead you…. just know that I’ll be there for you every step of the way.”
Messiah was just a pre-teen when VH1 enlisted T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris for the show T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle. During the latest season, T.I. had high hopes that college-bound Messiah would select Morehouse as his university of choice. Though the high school grad ultimately chose Georgia State, dad couldn’t have been prouder.
Great job, Pops!