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TeeFlii
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Key Information
Christian Joel Jones (born July 17, 1987), better known by his stage name TeeFlii (stylized as TeeFLii), is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer from South Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his 2014 single "24 Hours" (featuring 2 Chainz), which entered the Billboard Hot 100. The song, released by Epic Records, served as the lead single for his debut studio album Starr (2015), which failed to chart. Also in 2014, he co-wrote the single "Show Me" for fellow California rapper Kid Ink, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Early life
[edit]Jones developed an interest in music as a child attending church, drawn to keyboards after seeing how much his grandfather, who was a pastor, paid his organ players.[1] Frequenting his grandfather's church, he learned to play multiple instruments, such as the organ, piano, guitar and drums.[2] He played drums for Barbra Streisand at a Democratic Party event. Music helped provide stability in his life, as his mother battled drug addiction throughout his childhood, and he did not know his biological father until his teens. Jones began smoking marijuana at age eight and moved out of his parents' place for good at age thirteen.[2] He described his childhood self by saying, "I was bad—fighting, stealing. I'd go take your bike, bring it to my backyard, spray-paint it, try to ride it around."[1]
As a teenager, Jones began dancing and krumping, performing under the name Baby Tight Eyez, and earned placement in a few early Chris Brown music videos as well as appearing in a major role in Rize, David LaChapelle's 2005 documentary about Los Angeles' Krump scene. After the film was released, by the time he was 19, he had been living at various friends' houses, and after having his first daughter he went through an issue with the mother, where he lost visitation rights. He then started writing songs for other people to "get the vent off" and started seeing a better chance at stability in his life, so he pushed himself as an artist.[1]
He created his stage name partially from his experience in the movie "Rize." He says in an interview, "TeeFLii came from dancing. I was in the Rize movie, and my name in the movie was Baby Tight Eyez. I was under somebody in dancing named Tight Eyez, then I wanted to branch off and do my own thing when I started getting older. I wanted to have my own name and something I could say that I did for myself. I grew up under another dude named Flii Stylz who choreographed for Chris Brown, Usher, Omarion, everybody in the game. I took a liking to him and next thing I knew, I just took the name TeeFLii."[3]
Career
[edit]
Early on his career prior to releasing his first project, TeeFlii collaborated with West Coast-based rappers such as Problem, YG, Nipsey Hussle and Skeme.[2] His debut mixtape AnNieRuO'TAY 1 was released on November 21, 2012. It featured collaborations with Skeme, Problem, Bad Lucc, and Nipsey Hussle among others.[4] AnNieRuO'TAY 1 was met with generally positive reviews from music critics.[5] His second official mixtape AnNieRuO'TAY 2: The TakeOver was released on March 5, 2013.[6] It featured production by DJ Mustard, 1500 or Nothin' and TeeFlii himself. At the same time he was recording his next mixtape, a project entirely produced by DJ Mustard to be released soon.[6] He also indicated that he was working on a project with Nipsey Hussle.[7] AnNieRuO'TAY 2 was met with mainstream coverage from publications such as Chicago Reader,[8] and Fact,[9] among others.
On July 4, 2013, TeeFlii released his third mixtape in eight months, the DJ Mustard-produced Fireworks. It featured collaborations with Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies, Ty Dolla Sign, Omarion and E-40, among others.[10] The mixtape would receive positive reviews upon release, Stereogum would end up naming it the "Mixtape of the Week".[11] Rolling Stone also would name it the fourth best mixtape of 2013. They said, "Where Mustard's beats normally evoke a strip club's booty-whomp, here he pushes himself, brilliantly, towards R&B smoothness."[12] On July 16, 2013, the music video for "This D" was premiered by Vice.[13] In August 2013, TeeFlii signed to Epic Records after being actively persuaded by label executive L.A. Reid.[1] Then on October 2, 2013, "This D" was released as his debut single.[13] The following day, he released the remix to "This D", featuring Jadakiss and Tyga.[14] After "This D" received major radio rotation in Los Angeles, he got a major co-sign from rapper Snoop Dogg.[15] The song would peak at number 35 on the US Billboard Rhythmic chart.[16]
In October 2013, LA Weekly named TeeFlii the best R&B singer in Los Angeles.[17] On November 25, 2013, he released his fourth mixtape AnnieRUO'TAY 3: Who The Fuck Is Annie?. The seventeen track mixtape featured a collaboration with Dom Kennedy and production by The Futuristiks and himself, among others.[18][19] On December 9, 2013, "That's How We Livin'" a collaboration with Snoop Dogg and Warren G was released. It was then included on Snoop's mixtape That's My Work Vol. 2.[20]
On March 26, 2014, TeeFlii premiered his second official single "24 Hours" featuring 2 Chainz, with production by DJ Mustard. Along with its release, it was announced that TeeFlii's debut studio album would be titled Starr and released during mid-2014.[21] "24 Hours" was serviced to urban contemporary radio in the United States on April 7, 2014,[22] and then was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio on May 6, 2014.[23] The track peaked at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as a bonus track on Starr.
On August 27, 2021, TeeFlii released his EP, "Today", which included his new single "Automatic" produced by Grammy Award Winning Producer Los Da Mystro.
And on the 8th of July 2023 he released the Album "TruFlii" with the artist Tru Carr.
Personal life
[edit]TeeFlii's invocations of his faith are frequent as he believes in Christianity. His grandmother was a gospel singer and his aunt harmonized for Elvis Presley's backup group, The Sweet Inspirations.[2] His grandmother is the one that taught him the most about singing.[24] He has five children; four daughters, and one son.[2]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B/HH | US Rap | |||||||||||
| Starr |
|
— | 42 | — | |||||||||
| "—" denotes a title that did not chart, or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||||
Mixtapes
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| AnNieRuO'TAY 1 |
|
| AnNieRuO'TAY 2: The TakeOver |
|
| Fireworks |
|
| AnNieRuO'TAY 3: Who The Fuck Is Annie |
|
| AnnieRuO'TAY 4 |
|
| AnnieRUO'TAY 5 (What Happened To TeeFLii?) |
|
| Next Level (with Jermaine Dupri) |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B/HH |
US Rap |
US Rhy. | |||
| "This D" | 2013 | — | — | — | 35 | N/a |
| "24 Hours" (featuring 2 Chainz) |
2014 | 85 | 21 | 15 | 8 | Starr |
| "Change Your World" | — | — | — | — | ||
| "Blue Lipstick" (featuring Chris Brown) |
— | — | — | — | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B/HH |
US Rap | |||
| "Still Callin'" (Dom Kennedy featuring TeeFlii) |
2014 | — | — | — | Get Home Safely |
| "Do It to Ya" (YG featuring TeeFlii) |
— | — | — | My Krazy Life | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||
Guest appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Other performer(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Like Me" | 2012 | Problem | Welcome To Mollywood 2 |
| "Hollywood" | DJ Quik, | Hollywood | |
| "Fuck That Nigga" | 2013 | DJ Mustard, Ty Dolla Sign, Constantine, Tory Lanez | Ketchup |
| "Hate It or Love It" | Nipsey Hussle | Crenshaw | |
| "Sprung" | YG | Just Re'd Up 2 | |
| "Get It" | RJ | O.M.M.I.O | |
| "That's How We Livin" | Snoop Dogg, Warren G | I Got That Work Vol. 3 | |
| "Favorite Position" | 2014 | Boxxx | XTC |
| "Where The Party At" | Slim 400 | Keepin' It 400 | |
| "Deep" | DJ Mustard, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa | 10 Summers | |
| "Valet" | Eric Bellinger, Pleasure P | Choose Up Season | |
| "Neva Met" | 2015 | Rick Rock, Snoop Dogg | Rocket |
| "Pimpin' Ain't Easy" | 2016 | Problem, Kevin McCall | Hotels 2: The Master Suite |
| "Proper" | Rayven Justice, Kool John | Do It Justice 2 | |
| "Reconsider" | Furious, Clyde Carson | Journey Home | |
| "Busy Body" | 2018 | Berner, E-40, Too Short | The Big Pescado |
| "Keyz to the City" | Nipsey Hussle | Victory Lap | |
| "Blue Apts" | King Lil G | Paint the City Blue | |
| "Secret Lovers" | 2019 | Rayven Justice, Clyde Carson | ESO |
| "Never Fold Intermission" | 2021 | Dom Kennedy | From the Westside with Love Three |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "GEN F: TeeFLii". The Fader. October 3, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e Weiss, Jeff (June 13, 2013). "TeeFlii Starred in Rize. Now He's About the Hottest Underground R&B Singer Going | Los Angeles News and Events". LA Weekly. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ Capell, Frances (April 2, 2013). "Meet TeeFlii, the Ratchet Prince of Los Angeles R&B". Noisey. Retrieved April 3, 2019.
- ^ Dell (December 1, 2012). "Tee Flii – AnNieRuO'TAy 1 [Mixtape] | OnSMASH". Freeonsmash.com. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "TeeFlii :: AnnieRUO'Tay :: TeeFlii.com". Rapreviews.com. April 30, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ a b "Download TeeFLii's AnnieRUO'TAY 2 Mixtape". The Fader. March 6, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "Meet TeeFlii, the Ratchet Prince of Los Angeles R&B | NOISEY". Noisey.vice.com. April 2, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ Galil, Leor (June 17, 2013). "Take a break from all this Kanye and Jay-Z talk with TeeFlii | Bleader". Chicago Reader. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "Tee Flii channels The-Dream on new mixtape AnnieRUO'TAY2 – FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music". Factmag.com. March 7, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "DJ Mustard, TeeFLii "Fireworks" Mixtape". Complex. July 4, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "Mixtape of the Week: TeeFLii & DJ Mustard Fireworks". Stereogum. July 10, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "10 Best Mixtapes of 2013: DJ Mustard TeeFlii, 'Fireworks'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ a b "Here's the New Video for TeeFlii's "This D" | NOISEY". Noisey.vice.com. July 16, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "TeeFLii f. Tyga and Jadakiss, "This D (Remix)" MP3". The Fader. October 3, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "The Break Presents: TeeFlii – XXL". Xxlmag.com. October 21, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "Chart Search – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
- ^ "Los Angeles Best R&B Singer | Arts & Entertainment | Los Angeles News and Events". LA Weekly. October 3, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ Ju, Shirley (November 25, 2013). "TeeFlii "ANNIERUO'TAY 3: Who The Fuck Is Annie?" Cover Art, Tracklisting, Download & Mixtape Stream | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ Trent Clark (November 27, 2013). "TeeFlii – AnnieRUOTAY 3 Mixtape". Hiphopwired.com. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "TeeFlii f/ Snoop Dogg & Warren G "That's How We Livin'"". Complex. December 9, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ "Premiere: TeeFlii feat. 2 Chainz – "24 Hours"". March 26, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
- ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases – R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates – ..." Retrieved October 1, 2017.
- ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases – R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates – ..." Retrieved October 1, 2017.
- ^ Montes, Patrick (August 9, 2013). "TeeFLii Turned R&B Into "Fly'n'B" With a Little Bit Of Ratchetness". Blogs.ocweekly.com. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ^ Cory McClanahan (May 30, 2018). "TeeFLii (@teeflii) & Jermaine Dupri (@JermaineDupri) - Next Level". Global14.com. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
TeeFlii
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood in South Los Angeles
Christian Joel Jones, professionally known as TeeFlii, was born on July 17, 1987, in South Los Angeles, California.[17][2] TeeFlii's early home life was deeply affected by his mother's struggles with crack cocaine addiction, which created ongoing instability and emotional hardship for the family.[18][19] His father remained largely absent during his childhood, leaving TeeFlii to be raised in part by his grandparents; he spent significant time with his grandfather until the latter's death, after which he lived with his father.[19][18] Amid this family turmoil, TeeFlii moved out of his parents' home at around age 13, seeking independence in the tough environment of South Central Los Angeles.[20][2] Exposed to neighborhood gangs and violence, he engaged in street activities such as fighting and stealing during his youth.[18][19] As an outlet from these challenges, TeeFlii immersed himself in dancing, particularly the energetic krump style that emerged from South Los Angeles street culture, performing under the name "Baby Tight Eyez."[3][18] He received early public attention for his skills when featured in the 2005 documentary Rize, which explored the origins of krumping through the work of dancer Tommy the Clown.[3][18]Family influences and early music exposure
TeeFlii's musical foundation was deeply rooted in his family's involvement in the church, where his grandfather served as a pastor at the Christian Tabernacle of Faith and Deliverance in South Los Angeles. As a bishop and preacher, his grandfather led music sessions during services, creating an environment that immersed young Christian Jones (TeeFlii's birth name) in gospel traditions from an early age. This paternal figure not only oversaw the church's worship activities but also compensated musicians, sparking TeeFlii's interest in performance as he observed the organ players during childhood visits.[21][20][6] His grandmother, a prominent gospel singer named Madeline Thompson, provided direct vocal inspiration and hands-on guidance in music. She introduced him to singing and playing instruments within the church setting, where he began performing at age 4 or 5 by drumming during services in her congregation. By age 12, TeeFlii had advanced to the organ, accompanying her performances and even touring with her, including opening for artists like Barbra Streisand at events. This collaboration reinforced his appreciation for gospel vocals and harmonies, shaping his early exposure to structured musical expression.[21][22] Further familial ties to music came through his aunt, who contributed harmonies as a member of The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley's backup group during the late 1960s and 1970s. Her professional experience in secular R&B and rock contexts highlighted a blend of gospel roots with broader popular music, indirectly influencing TeeFlii's understanding of vocal versatility. Through these church-centered activities, TeeFlii acquired proficiency in multiple instruments, including keyboards, piano, guitar, and drums, all honed during worship sessions starting in childhood. His participation extended to singing in the church choir and incorporating dance elements, which later merged gospel foundations with his emerging interests in hip-hop and street culture.[21][6]Career
Breakthrough and early releases (2012–2015)
TeeFlii entered the music scene with the release of his debut mixtape AnNieRuO'TAY 1 on November 21, 2012, which featured 19 tracks including collaborations with artists like Nipsey Hussle and Skeme, and production from emerging beatmakers such as DJ Mustard.[23] The project showcased his blend of R&B vocals and hip-hop influences, establishing a foundation in the West Coast underground circuit. Building on this momentum, he followed up with AnNieRuO'TAY 2: The TakeOver on March 5, 2013, a 23-track installment hosted by DJ Mustard and DJ Carisma, highlighting his growing production involvement and features from local talents. Later that year, on July 4, 2013, TeeFlii dropped the collaborative mixtape Fireworks with DJ Mustard, consisting of 15 tracks entirely produced by the duo, which amplified his visibility through Mustard's rising beat style.[24][15] In August 2013, TeeFlii signed a record deal with Epic Records, persuaded by label executive L.A. Reid, marking a shift from independent releases to major-label support.[6] This partnership facilitated the re-release of his track "This D," originally from AnNieRuO'TAY 1 and produced by DJ Mustard, as his debut single on October 2, 2013, under Excuse My Liquor and Epic. The song gained traction on Los Angeles radio, debuting at No. 38 on the Billboard Rhythmic chart and eventually peaking at No. 35, signaling his breakthrough into mainstream R&B and hip-hop audiences.[25] TeeFlii's profile rose further with the release of "24 Hours" featuring 2 Chainz on May 12, 2014, another DJ Mustard production that served as the lead single for his major-label debut. The track, emphasizing themes of fleeting romance, debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 85 and reached No. 21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, broadening his appeal beyond regional play.[26] During this period, TeeFlii contributed to early production efforts alongside DJ Mustard, including beats for collaborative projects, and appeared on tracks like YG's "Do It To Ya" from the 2014 album My Krazy Life, where Mustard's production underscored their shared West Coast sound. His debut studio album Starr arrived on February 3, 2015, via Epic Records, featuring 12 tracks with guests including E-40, Nipsey Hussle, and Chris Brown, promoted through singles like "24 Hours" to capitalize on his emerging hits.[27]Major collaborations and peak success (2016–2022)
During this period, TeeFlii solidified his reputation through high-profile songwriting and production contributions, most notably co-writing Kid Ink's "Show Me" featuring Chris Brown, which reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2014 with sustained radio and streaming impact extending into 2015 and 2016.[28] The track's success highlighted TeeFlii's ability to craft infectious West Coast R&B hooks that bridged rap and melody, earning widespread play on urban radio formats.[28] TeeFlii continued his mixtape series with AnnieRUO'TAY 4 in 2015, a 19-track project featuring West Coast peers like Dom Kennedy and YG, distributed via platforms like LiveMixtapes and emphasizing his signature melodic production.[29] The following year, he released AnnieRUO'TAY 5 (What Happened to TeeFLii?), a double-disc effort hosted by DJ Carisma that included collaborations such as "Like Me" with Problem, showcasing TeeFlii's evolving blend of ratchet R&B and introspective lyrics over self-produced beats.[30] In 2018, TeeFlii partnered with Jermaine Dupri for the collaborative album Next Level, a 20-track release featuring guests like Eric Bellinger and Morgan Westbrook, which marked a pivot toward more polished, mainstream-leaning production while retaining his LA street edge.[31] Key features during this era included TeeFlii's appearance on Nipsey Hussle's 2018 track "Keyz 2 the City 2" from the platinum-certified album Victory Lap, where his smooth vocals complemented Hussle's introspective bars on success and hometown pride.[32] Additional partnerships with Ty Dolla $ign, such as shared production and vocal elements on tracks exploring similar themes of romance and excess, further embedded TeeFlii in LA's R&B-rap ecosystem.[33] TeeFlii also provided writing credits for emerging artists, contributing hooks and verses that amplified their commercial breakthroughs in the mid-2010s.[34] Reflecting earlier acclaim, TeeFlii's 2013 collaborative mixtape Fireworks with DJ Mustard was ranked the fourth-best mixtape of that year by Rolling Stone, praised for its breezy, fireworks-like energy and contributions to the West Coast sound's resurgence.[35] By 2021, TeeFlii released the EP Today, featuring the single "Automatic" produced by Los Da Mystro, signaling a renewed focus on concise, vibe-driven releases.[36] This culminated in 2022 singles like "Proud of Me" with KY and Kevin Parx, and "Serious," both highlighting his matured vocal delivery and themes of personal growth.[37]Recent projects and evolution (2023–present)
Following his earlier mainstream successes, TeeFlii shifted toward independent releases after parting ways with Epic Records, allowing greater creative control over his signature FLii&B sound—a blend of trap-influenced R&B that emphasizes smooth vocals and West Coast rhythms. This evolution marked a return to more personal and collaborative projects, building briefly on the momentum of prior hits like "24 Hours" by prioritizing raw, LA-centric storytelling in his output.[12][38] In 2023, TeeFlii released the collaborative album TruFlii with rapper Tru Carr on July 8, featuring 14 tracks that explored themes of nightlife and relationships through his production style. That same year, he dropped singles "Wet AF" and "Rachet," which highlighted his playful, sensual lyricism over bass-heavy beats, maintaining his focus on club-ready anthems. These releases underscored his pivot to nimble, self-directed projects unburdened by major-label constraints.[39][40][37] The following year, TeeFlii continued this trajectory with singles "Automatic" and "Bang Yo! Set" in 2024, the former a collaboration with DJ Carisma announced on November 12 and released on November 15 via Carisma Records, infusing high-energy R&B with electronic elements for radio play. On November 14, 2024, DJ Carisma presented "Automatic" as new music from TeeFlii, signaling ongoing partnerships in the LA scene. This period reflected his emphasis on evolving FLii&B by incorporating fresher production techniques while staying rooted in street authenticity.[41][42] By 2025, TeeFlii escalated his output with the album Lamont, released August 25 on Tear If Off Records, comprising 16 tracks that delved into personal reflections on family and hustle, including the standout "9 To 5" featuring Kayess, which critiques daily grind with melodic hooks. The album also featured "WESTSIDE" with G Perico, a single released August 29 celebrating LA's Westside culture through gritty verses and TeeFlii's layered vocals. Additionally, he collaborated with Swifty Blue on Summer Nights in La, an eight-track EP dropped August 5 on Grimey Records, capturing summery vibes with tracks like "Taste" that blend party anthems and introspective cuts. The single "Lap Dance" from early 2025 further exemplified his unfiltered sensuality. These projects solidified TeeFlii's independent era, prioritizing artistic freedom and regional collaborations to refine his enduring FLii&B aesthetic.[12][43][44][45][46][42]Musical style and artistry
Influences from church and street culture
TeeFlii's artistic foundations are deeply rooted in his family's gospel heritage, which profoundly shaped his emotional vocal delivery. Raised in a household where music was intertwined with faith, he began playing drums in his grandmother's church at age four or five and later learned the organ at age 12, even touring with gospel singer Madeline Thompson. His grandfather, a bishop and pastor, further immersed him in church life, while his mother and grandmother, both accomplished gospel singers, provided direct inspiration—particularly his grandmother's career, which he credits as a primary influence on his singing style. This background instilled a soulful, emotive quality in his vocals, blending the raw passion of gospel performances with contemporary R&B expression.[20][3][22] Complementing these sacred influences, TeeFlii's experiences in South Los Angeles street culture forged themes of resilience and survival in his early work. Growing up amid violence, gangs, and hardship in South Central, he found an outlet in dancing, which became his initial passion and entry into performance. As an original krump dancer, he joined the movement pioneered by Tommy the Clown and appeared in David LaChapelle's 2005 documentary Rize under the name Baby Tight Eyez, capturing the energetic, expressive style born from urban youth culture. These street elements—infused with hip-hop rhythms and the defiant spirit of krump—permeated his early mixtapes, where narratives of overcoming adversity reflected the unyielding grit of his environment.[3][34][3] TeeFlii masterfully fused his gospel roots with these street influences to pioneer the "FLii&B" genre, drawing inspiration from West Coast producers like DJ Mustard to create a hybrid sound. This blend incorporates church-derived organ and choir-like vibes into the raw, bass-heavy aesthetics of South LA hip-hop and krump-inspired energy, resulting in a lusty, emotionally charged R&B that echoes both spiritual depth and urban edge. His self-described style as "smooth, rough, uptight, sensitive, [and] emotional" embodies this synthesis, transforming personal gospel elements into a resilient, street-savvy artistry without overt religious themes in his public releases.[20][3][34]Signature production and vocal style
TeeFlii pioneered the "FLii&B" genre, a hybrid that fuses smooth R&B melodies with the gritty trap beats and minimalistic production characteristic of West Coast street sound, creating a lusty, playful vibe tailored for intimate and club settings.[3] His vocal delivery prominently employs auto-tune to produce a polished, futuristic wavy effect, enhancing emotional sensitivity while maintaining an uptight edge, often layered with harmonies rooted in his church upbringing for added depth and resonance.[3][47] In production, TeeFlii favors heavy, blaring bass lines that drive rhythmic momentum, atmospheric synths for instrumental texture, and signature ad-libs—like recurring "Annie" motifs—that infuse tracks such as "Show Me" and "This D" with personal flair and dynamic energy.[48][3] Over time, his approach has evolved toward greater introspection, evident in projects like the 2023 collaborative album TruFlii with TruCarr and the 2025 album Lamont, where themes of personal growth and reflection on South Central roots complement the established sonic framework.[40][12][16]Personal life
Family and relationships
TeeFlii is the father of four children—three daughters and one son—from multiple relationships.[7] His journey into fatherhood began with his first daughter, whom he credits with awakening his drive to succeed in music and provide stability, stating, "My first daughter is what really really woke me up. Just recognizing I didn’t have a dollar, I couldn’t do anything for her. It was pissing me off. I wanted to be able to take care of her, I wanted to do great things for her, and not only that, be in her life."[7] By 2020, TeeFlii had named his children publicly as his oldest daughter (then 10 years old and described as the "leader of the pack"), son Jayden, second-oldest daughter Daryl, and youngest daughter Jordan (nicknamed "Distinctive Bear"), all sharing the surname Jones.[49] He has reflected on fatherhood teaching him patience, noting that he observes reflections of his own personality in his children's growth and behaviors.[49] TeeFlii has expressed that he is now able to support all of his children financially and emotionally, affirming, "Now I’m able to take care of all my kids. My family’s straight. We still go through problems, it’s regular, but we’re good for the most part."[7] Family serves as a central motivation in his lyrics and career decisions, often highlighting themes of provision and presence as a parent.[7] Details about TeeFlii's current romantic relationships remain limited in public discourse, with his focus in interviews centering primarily on his role as a father.[49]Challenges and residences
TeeFlii left home at the age of 13, prompting him to leave his family home in South Central Los Angeles amid a challenging upbringing marked by parental neglect and instability.[21][50] This early independence led to periods of unstable housing as a teenager, during which he navigated life without consistent familial support, often relying on his involvement in dancing and music for structure.[21][50] His mother's longstanding battle with drug addiction significantly influenced his early experiences, exposing him to substance use from a young age—he began smoking marijuana at eight—and contributing to a sense of abandonment within a large family dynamic.[21] Despite these influences, TeeFlii has spoken about avoiding deeper entanglement with addiction, crediting personal resilience and later family reconciliation for helping him overcome the generational patterns, as his parents eventually achieved sobriety and stable employment.[21] Public discussions of family tensions have surfaced in recent years, including strains with his younger brother stemming from financial support decisions that impacted their relationship and broader family dynamics, particularly as TeeFlii balances fatherhood with his career.[51] These interpersonal challenges have occasionally affected his personal stability, though specific details on custody arrangements remain private. TeeFlii was raised in the South Central neighborhood of South Los Angeles near Western Avenue and 48th Street, to which he maintains strong ties.[51] This ongoing connection to his roots provides a sense of continuity amid life's hardships, including grief from multiple family losses such as his grandmother and his brother Lamont (also known as KS), whose passing has deeply influenced his recent reflections and creative output.[51][47]Discography
Studio albums
TeeFlii's studio discography consists of six full-length albums, marking his evolution from major-label debut to independent and collaborative projects emphasizing his West Coast R&B roots. His debut major-label studio album, Starr, was released on February 3, 2015, through Epic Records.[52] Featuring 12 tracks co-produced by TeeFlii himself, the project includes standout collaborations such as "Blue Lipstick" with Chris Brown, blending his signature FLii Mode production with smooth, party-oriented R&B vibes.[27] TeeFlii collaborated with Dom Kennedy on the studio album I Love Stocker, independently released on June 23, 2023.[53] The 10-track effort features assists from Diamond Ortiz and Troy Nōka, focusing on laid-back West Coast vibes and relational themes.[54] Following that, TeeFlii returned with TruFlii, a collaborative studio album with rapper Tru Carr, independently released on July 8, 2023.[39] The 14-track effort highlights TeeFlii's vocal harmonies alongside Tru Carr's verses, focusing on Los Angeles street narratives and relational dynamics in a polished R&B framework.[55] TeeFlii issued his solo album Annies World (I Need Therapy...) on November 4, 2023, comprising 17 tracks that explore personal introspection and therapy themes.[56] Key features include DJ Quik on "Hollywood," reflecting on fame and South Central experiences.[57] In 2025, TeeFlii issued Lamont on August 25 through his own Tear If Off Records, comprising 16 introspective tracks that reflect on personal growth and South Central LA experiences.[12] Key cuts like the opening "Lamont (Intro)" set a reflective tone, with features including KayEss on "9 To 5," underscoring themes of resilience and maturity.[58] That same year, TeeFlii teamed up with Swifty Blue for Summer Nights in La, a West Coast-flavored studio album released independently on August 5, 2025.[45] Limited to eight tracks, the project captures laid-back, nocturnal LA energy through upbeat rhythms and dual vocal deliveries, exemplified by songs like "Taste" and "Having Fun."[59]Mixtapes and EPs
TeeFlii's mixtapes and EPs played a pivotal role in cultivating his underground following in the Los Angeles music scene, particularly through the AnNieRuO'TAY series, which highlighted his signature blend of R&B, rap, and club-oriented production while drawing from West Coast influences.[6] These projects allowed him to experiment with thematic concepts centered on nightlife and seduction, garnering early buzz among fans of ratchet and contemporary R&B.[60] By releasing multiple installments in quick succession, TeeFlii demonstrated prolific output that solidified his reputation as an emerging artist before transitioning to major-label albums.[3] The inaugural entry, AnNieRuO'TAY 1, arrived on November 21, 2012, serving as TeeFlii's breakthrough tape with 19 tracks that introduced his playful, explicit lyricism and self-produced beats.[23] It marked his first significant exposure, earning reviews for its cohesive club vibe and helping attract initial listeners in Southern California.[1] Follow-up AnNieRuO'TAY 2: The TakeOver, hosted by DJ Mustard and DJ Carisma, dropped on March 5, 2013, expanding the series with 23 tracks that amplified his growing collaborations and production edge.[24] Later that year, Fireworks, a full collaboration with producer DJ Mustard, was released on July 4, 2013, featuring 15 tracks entirely helmed by Mustard to showcase TeeFlii's vocal adaptability over trap-infused soundscapes.[15] This tape further boosted his visibility by tying into Mustard's rising prominence in hip-hop production.[61] The momentum continued with AnNieRuO'TAY 3: Who The Fck Is Annie?* on November 21, 2013, a 17-track installment hosted by DJ Carisma that delved deeper into narrative elements while maintaining the series' energetic, party-driven aesthetic.[62] AnnieRuO'TAY 4, issued on June 30, 2015, comprised 19 tracks and featured guest appearances that reflected TeeFlii's evolving network, reinforcing his fanbase amid his debut album rollout.[63] The fifth volume, AnnieRUO'TAY 5 (What Happened to TeeFLii?), arrived on December 9, 2016, structured as a double-sided cassette-style project with 36 tracks total, emphasizing introspection and resilience to engage loyal supporters.[64] The series continued with AnnieRUO'TAY 6 (ANNIE'VERSARY) on March 1, 2021, a 14-track celebration of the franchise with features like Alex Simone on "ITS ONLY RIGHT," maintaining the playful and seductive themes.[65] In the mid-2010s, TeeFlii ventured into high-profile partnerships with Next Level, a 20-track collaborative mixtape with Jermaine Dupri released on May 27, 2018, which blended their production styles and included features to broaden his appeal beyond the West Coast.[66] This project underscored his adaptability and helped sustain fan interest during a transitional phase.[67] TeeFlii also released the Teeflii EP on November 1, 2019, a 5-track project featuring Dom Kennedy on multiple songs like "I Can't Stop" and "Fucc Wit Me," marking a return to shorter-form releases.[68] TeeFlii's EP output culminated in Today on August 27, 2021, a concise release that captured his post-hiatus energy and marked a return to shorter-form projects amid ongoing independent efforts.[69]| Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| AnNieRuO'TAY 1 | 2012 |
| AnNieRuO'TAY 2: The TakeOver | 2013 |
| Fireworks (with DJ Mustard) | 2013 |
| AnNieRuO'TAY 3: Who The F*ck Is Annie? | 2013 |
| AnnieRuO'TAY 4 | 2015 |
| AnnieRUO'TAY 5 (What Happened to TeeFLii?) | 2016 |
| Next Level (with Jermaine Dupri) | 2018 |
| Teeflii (EP) | 2019 |
| AnnieRUO'TAY 6 (ANNIE'VERSARY) | 2021 |
| Today (EP) | 2021 |
Singles as lead artist
TeeFlii's singles as lead artist span his career from his early breakthrough in the mid-2010s to more recent independent releases, often blending R&B and hip-hop elements with West Coast influences. His debut single marked his entry into mainstream recognition through radio airplay, while later tracks reflect a return to grassroots promotion via streaming platforms.| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "This D" | 2013 | US Rhythmic: 35 | Non-album single |
| "24 Hours" (featuring 2 Chainz) | 2014 | US Hot 100: 85 US R&B/Hip-Hop: 21 US Rap: 15 US Rhythmic: 8 | Starr |
| "Change Your World" | 2015 | — | Starr |
| "Wet AF" | 2023 | — | I Love Stocker |
| "Rachet" | 2023 | — | I Love Stocker |
| "Automatic" (with DJ Carisma) | 2024 | — | Non-album single |
| "Bang Yo! Set" (with Cavie and Te'Money) | 2024 | — | Non-album single |
| "Lap Dance" (with Rayven Justice and Yhung T.O.) | 2025 | — | Non-album single |
| "WESTSIDE" (featuring G Perico) | 2025 | — | Lamont |