Celebrity

Tameka Cottle’s Rise in R&B and Life with T.I.

Published

5 hours ago

October 14, 2025

Admin

From the streets of College Park, Georgia, to Grammy stages and reality TV screens, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle has charted a remarkable journey. Her story blends musical passion, family, setbacks, and resilience. In this article, we explore how she rose in R&B, carved her own space, and managed life in the public eye with her husband, rapper T.I.

Table of Contents

Profile Summary

Full Name	Tameka Dianne Cottle
Stage Name	Tiny
Date of Birth	July 14, 1975
Age (2025)	50 Years Old
Birthplace	College Park, Georgia, U.S.
Height	4′11″ (1.50 m)
Spouse	Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr.
Children	Zonnique, King, Major, Heiress
Parents	Dianne Cottle, Charles “Speedy” Pope
Career Highlights	Member of Xscape, Grammy-winning songwriter
Notable Song	“No Scrubs” (TLC)
Net Worth (Approx.)	$3–10 Million
Instagram Handle	@majorgirl

Early Years and Musical Roots

Tameka Dianne Cottle was born on July 14, 1975, in College Park, Georgia. Her heritage reflects both Black and white roots, with her mother Dianne Cottle being of British-American descent and her biological father, Charles “Speedy” Pope, having played in the R&B group The Tams. Although her father passed away when she was young, his influence lingered in her passion for music. Growing up surrounded by rhythm and soul, Cottle developed her voice and artistry early. Her petite frame, standing at just 4 feet 11 inches, earned her the nickname “Tiny,” but her talent was anything but small.

Xscape and the Rise of a Star

Cottle’s professional break came in the early 1990s when she joined the R&B group Xscape. Discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri, the group became one of the defining female acts of the decade. Their debut album, Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha, quickly went platinum, establishing them as a force in the industry. Cottle’s distinct vocals featured prominently on tracks like “Understanding” and “My Little Secret,” songs that became staples of ’90s R&B. With subsequent albums Off the Hook and Traces of My Lipstick, she and her bandmates solidified Xscape’s place in music history. Fame came quickly, but so did the pressures of the spotlight, and by the late 1990s, the group disbanded, leaving each member to find her own path.

Beyond the Group and Songwriting Success

For Cottle, the next chapter showcased her gift for songwriting. She co-wrote TLC’s global hit “No Scrubs,” a track that earned her a Grammy Award and cemented her status as a behind-the-scenes powerhouse. This success led to further recognition from ASCAP and established her as a respected figure in the industry beyond her own performances. Later, she also managed and helped create the teen group OMG Girlz, showing her interest in nurturing the next generation of talent. In 2014, she stepped out as a solo artist with her single “What the F*** You Gon Do?” released under her label Pretty Hustle, proving her voice still carried power and relevance.

Love and Life with T.I.

In the early 2000s, Cottle’s personal life became entwined with that of rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr. Their relationship blossomed into marriage in 2010 in Miami Beach. Together, they built a blended family that became as famous as their careers. Cottle’s daughter Zonnique from a previous relationship grew up alongside their children King, Major, and Heiress, while she also embraced her role as stepmother to T.I.’s children from earlier relationships. Family life was not without its challenges, and the couple faced public scrutiny, disagreements, and even divorce filings that were later withdrawn. Still, their bond has endured, making them one of hip-hop’s most recognizable couples.

Reality TV and Public Life

Cottle’s family became household names with the launch of VH1’s reality show “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.” Running for six seasons, the show highlighted their everyday life, from parenting struggles to business ventures. Cottle also had her own BET series, Tiny & Toya, which showed her life with friend Toya Wright. These ventures offered fans a more personal view of her life, showing that she was more than a performer—she was also a mother, wife, and entrepreneur. The shows resonated because they combined celebrity glamour with real human challenges, and Cottle became a relatable figure for many women balancing career and family.

Challenges and Controversies

Public life often comes with difficult moments. In 2010, Cottle and T.I. were arrested in Los Angeles on drug-related charges, an incident that made headlines. More recently, in 2021, the couple faced accusations of misconduct, which they denied. Legal battles also shaped her journey, most notably the couple’s lawsuit against MGA Entertainment regarding the OMG Girlz likeness, which concluded in 2024 with a $71 million judgment in their favor. These episodes underscore the resilience Cottle has had to summon throughout her career, navigating fame and family while confronting setbacks head-on.

Achievements and Recognition

Beyond controversies, Cottle’s achievements stand tall. As part of Xscape, she contributed to a group that left an indelible mark on R&B. Her Grammy for “No Scrubs” highlights her contribution to one of the era’s most iconic songs. She continues to tour with Xscape during reunion performances, proving that her voice and presence still captivate audiences. Through her business endeavors and production roles, she has ensured her influence extends far beyond the stage.

Lifestyle, Public Image, and Social Media

Despite decades in the public eye, Cottle has maintained a unique charm. Known for her bold fashion choices and distinctive voice, she balances glamor with relatability. On Instagram (@majorgirl), she shares moments of family life, professional updates, and personal reflections, connecting directly with millions of followers. Her physical appearance—petite height, expressive eyes, and ever-changing hairstyles—has made her a style icon in her own right. At 50 years old in 2025, she continues to exude energy, embracing motherhood, artistry, and entrepreneurship simultaneously.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Majorgirl (@majorgirl)

Net Worth and Financial Standing

Cottle’s financial profile has been a subject of speculation. Sources vary, with estimates of her individual net worth ranging between three to ten million dollars. Combined with T.I., the couple’s wealth has been listed at around thirty million dollars. The 2024 court victory adds another chapter to their financial story, significantly boosting their assets. Regardless of the exact figure, Cottle’s wealth reflects decades of persistence in music, television, and business.

Fun Facts and Personal Touches

While known for her public persona, Cottle has a softer side revealed through anecdotes. She once faced heartbreak in 2007 when she lost a stillborn daughter, a tragedy she has spoken about with courage. She is deeply connected to her siblings, particularly her sister Michelle, who she often describes as her protector. She enjoys sharing lighthearted moments with her children and takes pride in mentoring young talent. These personal glimpses reveal a woman who, beyond the awards and fame, values love, family, and legacy.

Reflection and Legacy

Tameka “Tiny” Cottle’s life is one of transformation. From her early days singing in Georgia to topping charts, winning awards, and navigating reality television, she has shown both talent and tenacity. Her marriage to T.I. placed her in the spotlight of hip-hop culture, but her story is far more than just being someone’s wife. She is an artist, a businesswoman, a mother, and above all, a survivor. At 50, she continues to inspire with her resilience, reminding us that strength often comes in small packages, and that her voice—both literal and figurative—remains one of the most powerful in modern R&B history.

Must Read The Article: Who Is Sunrise Coigney? Actress, Mother, and Partner to Mark Ruffalo

FAQs

Who is Tameka Cottle?

Tameka “Tiny” Cottle is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and television personality, best known as a member of Xscape and the wife of rapper T.I.

How old is Tameka Cottle?

She was born on July 14, 1975, which makes her 50 years old in 2025.

What is Tameka Cottle’s height?

She stands at 4 feet 11 inches (1.50 m), a stature that inspired her nickname “Tiny.”

What is her net worth?

Estimates vary, but her individual net worth ranges from three to ten million dollars, with her combined wealth with T.I. reaching around thirty million.