Tiny Harris Recalls Ignoring T.I. When He First Tried Talking to Her

The couple, who have been married for over 15 years, share how their relationship began.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of rich, velvety red fabric with dramatic shadows and highlights, conveying a sense of high-end glamour and romance.The intimate, luxurious textures of a lingerie store set the stage for T.I. and Tiny's first encounter, sparking a romance that has endured for over 15 years.Atlanta Today

Tameka 'Tiny' Harris, one-half of the famous hip-hop couple T.I. and Tiny, recently recalled how she initially ignored T.I. when he first tried to talk to her. However, T.I. was persistent and eventually followed Tiny into a lingerie store, where they exchanged numbers and went on their first date.

Why it matters

As one of hip-hop's most enduring couples, fans have long been interested in learning about the early days of T.I. and Tiny's relationship. This story provides a glimpse into how the two first met and the lengths T.I. went to in order to get Tiny's attention.

The details

Tiny and T.I. first met at Jazze Pha's Noontime Studios in Atlanta, but at the time, Tiny 'blew him off' when he tried to talk to her. They ran into each other again at a mall, and Tiny admitted that T.I. 'looked good' that day. When Tiny went into a lingerie store, T.I. followed her in and they finally exchanged numbers. Their first date was at a '$3 dollar café' where they ate chicken wings and talked in a parked car.

  • Tiny and T.I. first met at Jazze Pha's Noontime Studios in Atlanta.
  • They ran into each other again at a mall.

The players

Tameka 'Tiny' Harris

One half of the famous hip-hop couple T.I. and Tiny, who have been married for over 15 years.

T.I.

The other half of the famous hip-hop couple T.I. and Tiny, who has been persistent in pursuing Tiny since first seeing her in a music video as a teenager.

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What they’re saying

“I blew him off or whatever. But he was so young at the time.”

— Tameka 'Tiny' Harris

“I noticed that he looked damn good. I still remember what he looked like, what he had on.”

— Tameka 'Tiny' Harris

“When 'Just Kickin' It' came out, I ain't playin'. I said 'I'm a get the little one. See cause she was my size … Lo and behold, when I got the opportunity to be in the same room with her, the 13-year-old me said, 'Go get her.'”

— T.I.

The takeaway

This story highlights the persistence and determination T.I. had in pursuing Tiny, even when she initially ignored his advances. It's a testament to their enduring relationship that has lasted over 15 years, despite the ups and downs they've faced.