The first time came on his song, “2 Glock 9’s,” featuring Beanie Sigel. He even named his 2006 album King. “That was the beginning of a long road of many challenges, opposition and adversity,” the rapper reflected.

“I feel like the King of the South moniker is very egotistical, self-gratuitous and it’s a persona that kinda enters the room before I do physically. Big Boi cautioned me of [the title] back when I was coming onto the scene,” T.I. recalled to the outlet. “Big Boi said, ‘It sounds cool. I like it, but understand when you are king you put a big bullseye on your back. You can’t look for no favors. Life is a game of chess, and the name of the game is called Kill The King. That’s what you are setting yourself up for.’ [At the age] I didn’t really think much of it.”

T.I. announced Kill the King back in 2021, at the end of the music video for his single “What It’s Come To.” The Atlanta rapper also addressed a series of allegations including sexual assault, rape, drugging, and more that were made against him and his wife, Tiny Harris, on the song.