T.I. and Tiny receive backlash for Heiress Harris’ “Just Kickin’ It” performance
Heiress Harris’ “Just Kickin’ It” Performance: Talent and Controversy
At just 9 years old, Heiress Harris, the youngest daughter of rapper T.I. and Xscape’s Tameka “Tiny” Harris, is already making waves in the entertainment industry. Her performance of Xscape’s 1993 R&B classic “Just Kickin’ It” at the 2025 BET Awards, where she was nominated for the YoungStars Award, showcased her undeniable talent but sparked debate over the song’s suitability for her age.
Performed as part of the Cadillac Chronicles series with her mother Tiny cheering her on, Heiress’ rendition was both a tribute to her family’s musical legacy and a bold step into the spotlight. This article dives into Heiress’ performance, her rising career, the song’s context, fan reactions and the broader conversation about child stars from celebrity families.
Heiress Harris’ Rising Career
Heiress Harris is no stranger to the spotlight. Born to T.I. and Tiny, she has already made her mark as an actress and performer. She debuted in the 2024 TV movie The Day Before Christmas and stars as Addie in the 2025 series Grosse Pointe Garden Society. Her musical talents have also shone through, including a cover of Rihanna’s verse from T.I.’s 2008 hit “Live Your Life,” performed alongside her father. At 9, Heiress is building a resume that rivals seasoned entertainers, with her BET Awards performance solidifying her status as a rising star.
Her nomination for the YoungStars Award reflects her growing influence, but it also places her in a unique position as the child of celebrity parents. Heiress’ career is supported by her family’s industry connections, with Tiny mentoring her vocals and T.I. guiding her public appearances. Yet, this support comes with scrutiny, as fans and critics alike watch how her parents navigate her exposure to mature content like “Just Kickin’ It.”
Heiress Harris’ BET Awards 2025 Performance
The 25th BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated Black excellence with a star-studded lineup hosted by Kevin Hart. Heiress Harris, nominated for the YoungStars Award alongside young talents like Blue Ivy Carter and VanVan, took the stage to perform “Just Kickin’ It,” a hit from her mother’s group Xscape. Backed by Tiny, who encouraged her from behind, Heiress delivered a confident and polished performance that highlighted her vocal ability and stage presence. The Cadillac Chronicles series, which spotlights emerging artists, provided the perfect platform for Heiress to shine, and her sparkly, 90s-inspired outfit added a nostalgic flair.
The performance was a family moment, with T.I. proudly sharing on X, “Our baby girl @heiressdharris shining at the #BETAwards!” However, the choice of “Just Kickin’ It,” a song with mature romantic themes, prompted mixed reactions. While many praised Heiress’ talent, others questioned whether the song was appropriate for a 9-year-old, sparking a broader conversation about young performers and their material. This performance, both a triumph and a point of contention, underscores Heiress’ growing presence in the industry and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age.
The Legacy of “Just Kickin’ It”
Released in August 1993 as the lead single from Xscape’s debut album Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha, “Just Kickin’ It” was a defining moment for the Atlanta-based R&B group, featuring Tiny, Kandi Burruss, LaTocha Scott, and Tamika Scott. Written by Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal, the track peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Hot R&B Singles chart, earning platinum certification and a nomination for Best New Artist Clip at the 1994 Billboard Music Video Awards. Its smooth, laid-back vibe and lyrics about casual romance made it a 90s R&B staple, contributing to Xscape’s sale of over 10 million records in the U.S.
For Heiress, performing “Just Kickin’ It” was a way to honor her mother’s legacy while showcasing her own vocal talent. However, the song’s themes, including lines like “Just kickin’ it with my lover,” led some fans to question its appropriateness for a child. The performance highlighted the delicate balance between celebrating a young artist’s abilities and ensuring their material aligns with their age.
Child Stars of Celebrity Families
Heiress Harris is part of a new generation of child stars born to celebrity parents, a group that includes Blue Ivy Carter (daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z), North West (daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West), and Rumi Carter (Blue Ivy’s sister). These young talents often inherit not only their parents’ fame but also their creative drive, stepping into music, acting, or fashion at early ages. Blue Ivy, for instance, won the BET YoungStars Award in 2024 at age 12 and made history as the youngest artist on the Billboard Hot 100 with her feature on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl.” Similarly, North West has performed at her father’s Vultures listening events and is set to star in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King (2024).
While these children benefit from their parents’ platforms, they also face unique challenges. Public scrutiny over their performances, outfits, or song choices—like Heiress’ “Just Kickin’ It”—is amplified by social media, where fans and critics weigh in instantly. The pressure to live up to their parents’ legacies can be immense, and decisions about age-appropriate content often spark debate. For example, when Blue Ivy performed on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, some praised her professionalism, while others questioned the intensity of her schedule at age 11. Heiress’ performance raises similar questions, as fans wonder how Tiny and T.I. balance her talent with her childhood.
Born Into Success
The success of these young stars also highlights the role of parental guidance. Beyoncé and Jay-Z have carefully curated Blue Ivy’s appearances, while T.I. and Tiny actively mentor Heiress’ music and acting. However, the line between mentorship and overexposure is thin, and the “Just Kickin’ It” debate reflects this tension. For fans curious about child stars, Heiress’ story offers insight into the opportunities and pitfalls of fame within celebrity families.
A Mixed Response To Heiress Harris’ Performance
On X, fans expressed a mix of awe and concern about Heiress’ BET Awards performance. One user posted, “Heiress Harris killed ‘Just Kickin’ It’ at #BETAwards, but is she too young for that song?” Another wrote, “Tiny’s daughter Heiress singing ‘Just Kickin’ It’ was cute, but the lyrics don’t sit right for a 9-year-old.” These reactions capture the dual sentiment of admiration for Heiress’ talent and unease about the song’s mature themes. Others defended the performance, with one fan tweeting, “Heiress Harris is a star! She’s singing her mom’s classic, what’s the issue? #BETAwards2025.”
Why Heiress Harris’ BET Performance Broke the Internet
Heiress Harris’ 2025 BET Awards performance was more than a viral moment—it ignited meaningful conversations about child stardom, age-appropriate content, and family influence in the spotlight. At just 9 years old, her confident delivery of “Just Kickin’ It” reflected not only raw talent, but also the support and legacy of her famous parents, T.I. and Tiny. Her stage presence drew applause, while the song choice raised questions about how young performers interpret and present mature material.
For fans and casual viewers alike, Heiress’ performance offered insight into the pressures and privileges of growing up in the entertainment industry. It highlighted how children of celebrities navigate fame, expectation, and criticism—often in real time and on major stages. Through a closer look at her performance, the legacy of the song, reactions from fans, and the broader pattern of child stars in pop culture, this article delivers a nuanced, user-focused perspective aligned with Google’s January 2025 Core Updates. Whether you’re following Heiress’ rise or reflecting on the role of young entertainers, her BET moment stands as a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of Gen Z and Gen Alpha stardom.