Atlanta Celebrates T.I. At 20th Anniversary Of ‘Trap Muzik’

T.I. is honored in Atlanta for the 20th anniversary of 'Trap Muzik' and his pioneering of the hip-hop subgenre.

The city of Atlanta celebrated one of its hip-hop icons and his contributions to the music genre. T.I. was heralded in a surprise event for the 20th anniversary of his album and the Atlanta-based cultural phenomenon, Trap Muzik.

The Dec. 12 event was held at the city’s The Gathering Spot location as T.I. was greeted by local leaders and fellow trap music pioneers to reminisce on the hip-hop subgenre’s origins. His album, released in 2003, was part of a cultural shift in hip-hop as the dawn of trap music permeated the sounds of rap. To recognize his artistic achievement, T.I. was honored with a Congressional Proclamation presented by U.S. Representative Nikema Williams.

“A tribute to Clifford Joseph ‘T.I.’ Harris Jr. and the 20th anniversary of Trap Muzik,” began Rep. Williams as she read the document, now part of the Congressional Record. “Whereas music is a powerful cultural force that has the ability to shape, define, and reflect the experiences of individuals and communities. Trap music, a subgenre of hip-hop, has emerged as a distinct and influential genre over the past two decades, characterized by its gritty beats, compelling storytelling, and resonant lyrics. And this is a testament to the phrase ‘Atlanta does influence everything.'”

The congresswoman continued reading the document, emphasizing T.I.’s founding of the sound that helped define a cultural movement,

“[T.I.] is widely recognized as the founder of trap music, having made pioneering contributions to the genre, and who played a pivotal role in its rise and prominence culminating in the release of the iconic album Trap Muzik in 2003…T.I. has always proclaimed Hip Hop as a form of expression that is reflective of the environment from which the ‘Trap’ narrative comes, once saying ‘if you think the music is harsh, you should spend some time in the environment that inspired [it.]'”

His family applauded the guest of honor, including wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris and their seven children, friends such as fellow trap artists Young Dro and Yung Joc, and the city’s native DJs and media titans. Atlanta, known as the hub of southern rap, gave the influential figure in its rise within the art form substantial praise for his part in music history.

Williams’ office released an additional statement following the historic event, further commemorating T.I. excellence in music amidst this pivotal year for the legacy of rap,

“As we commemorate 50 years of Hip Hop, we have to recognize the profound influence of Trap Music. 20 years ago, T.I. pioneered an unforgettable sound that is a quintessential element of Atlanta’s culture and continues to make an impact on the music industry worldwide. It was an honor to celebrate the King of the South for his contributions to music, culture, community, and our country.”