T.I. breaks the internet teaching son King how to tell time using the sun [VIDEO]

A Heartwarming Lesson: T.I. and King Harris Bond Over Time

The father-son bond between rapper T.I. and his son King Harris took center stage in a recent viral video that captures a mix of humor, wisdom, and love. In the clip, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., teaches King how to tell time using the sun, offering a practical life lesson under the Atlanta sky. As the duo stands outdoors, T.I. demonstrates how to use fingers to measure the sun’s distance from the horizon, patiently guiding a hesitant King to grasp the concept. This touching moment showcases T.I.’s dedication to parenting, proving that even celebrity children like King are just kids seeking guidance from their parents.

T.I., a pioneer of trap music and a multifaceted entertainer, has always been open about his love for his family. This article explores the heartwarming video, T.I.’s illustrious career, the art of telling time with the sun, and how music artists like T.I. are expanding their brands beyond the stage.

T.I.’s Journey: From Trap Music Pioneer to Cultural Icon

T.I., also known as Tip, is a cornerstone of hip-hop, credited with pioneering the trap music subgenre alongside Jeezy and Gucci Mane. Raised in Atlanta, he signed with LaFace Records in 1999, releasing his debut album I’m Serious (2001). Though it received lukewarm reception, his move to Atlantic Records and the founding of Grand Hustle Records in 2003 marked his rise. His sophomore album, Trap Muzik (2003), peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, with hits like “Rubber Band Man” and “Let’s Get Away.” Subsequent albums Urban Legend (2004), King (2006), and T.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007) solidified his stardom, with singles like “What You Know” and “Big Shit Poppin’ (Do It).”

T.I.’s sixth album, Paper Trail (2008), was a commercial triumph, earning gold certification with 500,000 first-week sales and spawning number-one hits “Whatever You Like” and “Live Your Life” with Rihanna. Despite setbacks, including an eleven-month incarceration, T.I. rebounded with albums like No Mercy (2010) and Trouble Man: Heavy Is the Head (2012). His later works, including Paperwork (2014), the Us or Else EPs (2016–2017), and The L.I.B.R.A. (2020), showcased his evolution, with the latter being his first independent release. T.I. announced his twelfth album, Kill the King, as his final project, though its release date remains pending.

A three-time Grammy winner with 19 nominations, T.I. has also earned 12 Billboard Music Awards, three BET Awards, and two American Music Awards. His Grand Hustle label has launched stars like Travis Scott, B.o.B, and Iggy Azalea, cementing his influence in hip-hop. Beyond music, T.I.’s music artist career expansion into acting and television has broadened his legacy, making moments like teaching King to tell time even more meaningful to fans.

The Father-Son Bond: T.I. and King Harris in the Spotlight

The father-son bond between T.I. and King Harris is a testament to the rapper’s commitment to raising grounded children despite his fame. T.I. has built a career as a rapper, actor, and entrepreneur while remaining a hands-on dad. In the video, T.I. stands with King, born in 2004 to T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, explaining how to gauge time by observing the sun’s position. Using his fingers to measure the distance between the sun and the horizon, T.I. breaks down the technique with patience and humor, even as King initially doubts the method. By the end, King’s trust in his father’s wisdom shines through, creating a relatable moment for parents and children alike.

This interaction resonates with fans because it humanizes T.I., showing him as a father imparting practical skills rather than a global star. King, one of T.I.’s seven children, has grown up in the public eye, appearing on the reality series T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle. The video underscores the universal truth that celebrity kids, despite their privilege, still rely on parental guidance to navigate life’s lessons. For T.I., teaching King to tell time using the sun is more than a skill—it’s a moment of connection, blending tradition with modern parenting.

How to Tell Time Using the Sun and Fingers

T.I.’s lesson to King on how to tell time using the sun is a practical survival skill rooted in ancient navigation. Here’s how it works, as demonstrated in the video:

1. Locate the Sun and Horizon: Stand facing the sun and identify the horizon line where the sky meets the ground.
2. Use Your Fingers: Extend your arm fully and hold your hand palm-up. Stack your fingers (excluding the thumb) to measure the distance between the sun’s bottom edge and the horizon. Each finger represents roughly 15 minutes of time until sunset.
3. Count the Fingers: For example, if four fingers fit between the sun and the horizon, approximately one hour (4 x 15 minutes) remains until sunset. This method assumes a 12-hour daylight period, which varies by location and season.

This technique, while not precise, is a reliable estimate in outdoor settings without a clock. T.I.’s approach highlights its accessibility, requiring no tools beyond one’s hands.

Other Ways to Tell Time Without a Clock

Beyond using the sun, several methods can help estimate time in nature or emergencies:

• Star Movement: At night, track the movement of stars like the Big Dipper. Stars move about 15 degrees per hour, allowing rough time estimation.
• Shadow Stick Method: Place a stick in the ground and mark where its shadow falls. Over time, the shadow’s movement indicates hours, with east-to-west motion tracking the sun’s path.
• Moon Phases: The moon’s position and phase can estimate nighttime hours. A full moon rises at sunset and sets at sunrise, providing a rough guide.
• Pulse Counting: In survival scenarios, counting your pulse (about 60 beats per minute for most adults) can approximate seconds and minutes.

These methods, like T.I.’s sun-based technique, connect modern audiences to ancestral knowledge, making his lesson to King both practical and culturally significant.

Music Artist Career Expansion: T.I.’s Ventures in Film and TV

T.I.’s appearance in the viral video with King is part of his broader music artist career expansion, as he’s leveraged his rap fame into acting, producing, and television. His acting debut came in 2006’s ATL, a film loosely based on his Atlanta upbringing, which grossed $21.2 million. He followed with roles in American Gangster (2007), Takers (2010), Identity Thief (2013), Get Hard (2015), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Ant-Man (2015) and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). His role in Takers, which debuted at number one with $20.5 million, showcased his ability to hold his own alongside stars like Idris Elba and Paul Walker.

On television, T.I. starred in reality series like T.I.’s Road to Redemption and T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle, offering fans a glimpse into his family life with Tiny and their children, including King. In 2019, he judged Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow alongside Cardi B and Chance the Rapper, mentoring new hip-hop talent. His 2015 talent deal with Warner Bros. Television and his work as a ghostwriter for artists like Dr. Dre and Bow Wow further highlight his versatility. T.I. also authored two novels, Power & Beauty (2011) and Trouble & Triumph (2012), expanding his creative footprint.

Like other artists such as Jay-Z and 50 Cent, T.I.’s ventures into film, TV, and literature reflect a strategic move to diversify his brand. Teaching King to tell time using the sun in a public moment aligns with his family-oriented image, resonating with fans who admire his balance of stardom and fatherhood.

T.I. Teaches King a Life Skill—and Fans Can’t Get Enough

The viral video of T.I. showing his son King how to tell time using the sun isn’t just a charming clip—it’s a cultural moment blending fame and fatherhood. Viewers witness a Grammy-winning rapper stepping away from the stage lights to share a classic survival skill with his son, offering a rare look into celebrity parenting that feels incredibly grounded. King’s curiosity and eventual understanding reflect a universal parent-child dynamic, making the clip both educational and heartwarming.

T.I.’s hands-on approach reinforces his image beyond the music charts—as a dedicated father and a thoughtful teacher. As the trap music legend continues evolving through acting, podcasting, and entrepreneurship, this moment reminds fans why he’s still relevant. Meanwhile, King’s ongoing journey in music and reality TV, first seen on The Family Hustle, now comes full circle with his father by his side.

A Beautiful Father & Son Moment

T.I.’s lesson to King is a snapshot of their evolving father-son bond, and fans are eager for more glimpses into their relationship. As T.I. prepares for his final album, Kill the King, and continues his work in film and TV, his role as a father remains central. King, now 20, is carving his own path, with T.I.’s mentorship shaping his future. Whether through music, reality TV, or viral moments like this, the Harris family continues to captivate audiences.

To watch the video of T.I. teaching King to tell time using the sun, check social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube, where it’s gaining traction. For updates on T.I.’s music, acting, and family moments, follow him on social media or visit Grand Hustle’s official website.