2001–02: I'm Serious
T.I. released his debut album, I'm Serious, in October 2001 through Arista Records.Soren Baker (May 12, 2005). "Taking the street route back" Los Angeles Times Retrieved on 2009. The album spawned the eponymous single, which featured Jamaican reggae entertainer Beenie Man. His debut single, "I'm Serious," was released on June 26, 2001. The single received little airplay and failed to chart. The album featured guest appearances from Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes (who called him "the Jay-Z of the South"),(December 21, 2004). Vibe Cover Story: T.I. – King of the South? Vibe. Retrieved October 9, 2008. Jazze Pha, Too Short, Bone Crusher, Lil Jon, Pastor Troy, YoungBloodZ and his southern hip hop group P$C. The album included production from The Neptunes, DJ Toomp, Madvac, and The Grand Hustle Team. Despite the album's guests appearances and production team, the album peaked at number 98 and only sold 163,000 copies in the United States.  Critics pointed to the fact that many of the tracks sounded the same and that a few were blatant rip-offs.Jon Azpiri (2001-10-09). "T.I. I'm Serious" Retrieved on June 21, 2009. Other critics commented saying, "T.I. claims to be the king of the South, but fails to show and prove. He does, however, have potential. If his talent ever matches his confidence, he may be headed for stardom."" T.I. "I'm Serious" Album Review" Retrieved on June 21, 2009.