T.I.'s 'I'm Serious'; Classic, Dope, Regular, or Garbage?

By the mid-00’s, T.I.’s brand of music helped popularize the subgenre, Trap Music. Albums such as Trap Muzik and Urban Legend would make him a household name. However, I’m Serious, Tip’s debut, was the album that made him a street name long before it made it to your kitchen table. And that is the one I would like to discuss.

Released in October 2001, I’m Serious made hell of noise from the cockiness presented throughout the album. Tip even called himself the “King of the South.” That level of confidence from a Southern newcomer was unheard of at the time.

[Tune In To HipHop-Album-Debate, “The Podcast” Every Tuesday and Friday!]

The album’s title track and first single sparked interest. The upbeat party record features Reggae royalty, Beenie Man on the hook. There were other tracks to choose from if your party needed a boost such as “Do It” and “What’s Yo Name.”

“I don’t give a damn if the club done closed,” Tip spits on the former. “Give the DJ a dub tell him to spin one mo’.”

The latter featured The Neptunes. Personally, I thought it could’ve been a crossover hit had it been pushed.

Remember, I said I’m Serious helped popularize the subgenre, Trap Music? Well, it wouldn’t have happened without tracks such as “Dope Boyz” and “Heavy Chevys.”

There’s always the downside to the street life. Tip was reflective of that in “Still Ain’t Forgave Myself.”

I’m Serious featured many guest appearances from artists such as Beenie Man, Too Short, Bone Crusher, Lil Jon, Pastor Troy, and YoungBloodz, among others.

Tip got production from some Hip Hop most talented producers such as The Neptunes, Jazze Pha, and DJ Toomp, among others.

From a national standpoint, I’m Serious didn’t necessarily come out of the gate swinging in comparison to debuts such as Doggystyle and Get Rich or Die Tryin. In fact, T.I. was dropped from Arista Records, his label home at the time, due to the poor commercial reception. Nevertheless, fans in the Southern region found his debut quite exceptional.