Buddy Red: T.I.’s Son Explains Why He Chose Blues Over Hip-Hop
Buddy Red, the 25-year-old son of the legendary rapper T.I., has made a bold decision to break away from the family’s hip-hop roots and embrace the soulful world of blues music. Known professionally as Messiah Harris, Buddy Red has inherited his father’s musical genes but is carving out his own unique path in the industry. His choice to explore the blues genre over hip-hop has captured the attention of music fans worldwide, as he opens up about his journey and his desire to create something original.
In this article, we dive deeper into Buddy Red’s decision to pursue blues over hip-hop, explore the legacy of his father, and examine the musical talents that run through the Harris family. We also take a look at how Buddy Red is navigating his career and what sets him apart from his famous father and other members of the hip-hop community.
T.I.: A Southern Hip-Hop Icon
T.I., born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., is one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of hip-hop music. Often referred to as “The King of the South,” T.I. is credited with pioneering the subgenre of trap music, alongside other Atlanta-based artists like Jeezy and Gucci Mane. His career spans over two decades, with multiple chart-topping albums, numerous Grammy Awards, and a significant impact on the evolution of hip-hop.
T.I.’s music career skyrocketed with his breakthrough album Trap Muzik (2003), which introduced the world to the signature trap sound—characterized by its hard-hitting beats and street-oriented lyrics. The success of albums like King (2006), Paper Trail (2008), and No Mercy (2010) solidified T.I.’s place in hip-hop history. Additionally, his ability to crossover into acting with roles in films like Takers and his starring role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Ant-Man franchise has only added to his influence and star power. Beyond his musical accomplishments, T.I. has had a profound influence on the hip-hop community as a businessman and mentor, founding Grand Hustle Records and signing notable artists such as Travis Scott, B.o.B, and Iggy Azalea. His reality TV shows, T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle and The Grand Hustle, have also helped solidify his place in pop culture.
Messiah Harris, aka Buddy Red: Following a Different Path
T.I.’s oldest son, Messiah Ya’Majesty Harris, born on February 2, 2000, is the product of his relationship with Lashon Dixon. Messiah grew up in the spotlight as part of the Harris family, frequently appearing on T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle alongside his father and siblings. The show gave fans an inside look at the rapper’s personal life and his efforts to guide his children through their own lives and careers. However, despite his family’s deep roots in the music industry, Messiah chose to pursue a different artistic path—one not tied to the world of hip-hop.
Known professionally as Buddy Red, Messiah Harris has always been passionate about music, but his interests lean more toward the genres of blues, rock, and soul rather than the hip-hop beats that his father popularized. His decision to focus on blues music over hip-hop may seem surprising to some, considering his musical legacy, but for Buddy Red, it feels like a natural expression of his individuality and love for music with deep emotional resonance.
The Influence of Blues on Buddy Red
Buddy Red’s love for blues music began at an early age, and over time, it developed into a central aspect of his musical identity. Growing up in a household that was filled with various genres of music, from his father’s rap to his mother Tiny’s R&B influences, Buddy Red was exposed to a rich musical tapestry. However, it was the raw, emotional storytelling and soulful sound of blues that captured his heart.
Blues music, with its deeply rooted history and emotional weight, offers Buddy Red a platform to express his own experiences and struggles in a way that resonates with people on a visceral level. Artists like B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Robert Johnson have influenced his sound, as he strives to evoke the same sense of authenticity and emotional depth that blues legends brought to the genre.
For Buddy Red, the choice to pursue blues was also about forging his own path, free from the shadows of his famous father. While T.I.’s success in hip-hop and trap music is undeniable, Buddy Red found himself drawn to a genre that offered a different kind of storytelling and connection to his audience. The timeless quality of blues music allowed him to feel more connected to his roots and the emotional journeys of artists who paved the way before him.
The Harris Legacy and Buddy Red’s Musical Evolution
Though Buddy Red is carving out his own space in the music world, it’s impossible to ignore the powerful influence of his father, T.I., on his life. Growing up as the son of one of hip-hop’s most successful figures, Buddy Red had a front-row seat to the highs and lows of the music industry. However, rather than following in his father’s footsteps within the hip-hop scene, Buddy Red chose to explore a different avenue in the industry, opting for a blend of blues, soul, and rock.
Buddy Red’s decision has sparked curiosity about his journey, as many fans were first introduced to him over a decade ago when he appeared on T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle. Viewers watched as he grew up in the limelight, and his choice to step away from hip-hop was something that piqued the interest of many. However, it’s clear that Buddy Red’s musical identity is shaped by more than just his family connections—it’s an authentic reflection of his personal tastes, musical influences, and creative vision.
The Future of Buddy Red’s Career
As Buddy Red continues to develop his career in blues and rock, it will be exciting to see how he navigates his path as an artist. While the world of blues music may not offer the same commercial appeal as the mainstream success of hip-hop, it provides an opportunity for Buddy Red to connect with a different audience and explore his own artistic potential.
For Buddy Red, music is about more than just fame or money—it’s about telling a story and sharing an experience that resonates with others. His journey in the music industry is a testament to the idea that even those with a famous family background can choose their own artistic direction. The path that Buddy Red is carving out for himself is one of personal growth and musical expression, and it will be interesting to see where this young blues star’s career takes him.
A New Generation of Musical Talent
Buddy Red’s decision to embrace the blues over hip-hop is an inspiring example of how new generations of musicians are bringing fresh perspectives to the music industry. Despite being the son of one of hip-hop’s greatest figures, Buddy Red is choosing to forge his own path and share his love for blues music with the world. As he continues to grow as an artist, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning, and fans are eager to see what he has in store for the future.
T.I.’s son may not follow in his father’s hip-hop footsteps, but he is undoubtedly contributing to a musical legacy of his own—one that honors the roots of blues while introducing a new generation to the power of soulful storytelling.
