ATLANTA — Atlanta hip-hop icon T.I. has reached another monumental career milestone as his hit single, “Let ’Em Know,” has officially been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), crossing over 1,000,000 units sold and streamed across platforms.
The anthem serves as the lead single for his long-awaited twelfth studio album, Kill the King, released on June 26, 2026, via Grand Hustle Records and EMPIRE Distribution.
A High-Energy Pharrell-Produced Banger
First released on January 18, 2026, “Let ’Em Know” reunited Tip with longtime collaborator Pharrell Williams, who produced the track. Built around a bouncy synth pattern, driving chords, and heavy basslines, the track brought back the signature, charismatic flow and head-bobbing energy that defined T.I.’s reign over Southern trap music throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
“It was recorded while I was aboard a yacht in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean,” T.I. revealed, sharing the unique backstory behind the single’s recording session.
The song quickly caught fire across radio airplay and streaming channels, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart, No. 8 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100—marking T.I.’s highest-charting Hot 100 single in over a decade.
Taking to social media (here) to celebrate the RIAA plaque, the Grand Hustle mogul expressed deep appreciation for his supporters:
“Humbled and want to express my gratitude to my family, my team, all the radio stations and DSPs supporting the record, and most importantly all of the fans.”
Capping Off a Legendary Discography with Kill the King
The success of “Let ’Em Know” provided a massive launchpad for Kill the King, which T.I. has confirmed serves as the final solo album of his legendary recording career.
Explaining the concept behind the album title, the self-proclaimed “King of the South” referenced the high-stakes mentality of chess:
“Ever since my first album, I’ve put the title of ‘King of the South’ on me, and to make yourself the king is to make you a target. In chess, the object is to kill the king. So ‘Kill the King’ is the title of my last album.”
The 18-track project features a star-studded lineup of legendary peers and top-tier talent, including Usher, Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Anderson .Paak, Summer Walker, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, and T-Pain, alongside production from Dr. Dre, Pharrell, DJ Toomp, and Organized Noize.
What’s Next for the King of the South?
While Kill the King marks T.I.’s departure from releasing solo studio projects, the Grammy-winning superstar is far from stepping out of the spotlight. In addition to his expansive business ventures, acting career, and continuous touring schedule, T.I. is currently on the road for “The King Succession Tour” alongside his sons, supporting the next generation of musical talent emerging from his family.
With “Let ’Em Know” officially crossing the Platinum threshold, T.I. solidifies yet another classic record in his catalog—proving that even in his final chapter, the King still dictates the pace of Southern hip-hop.
