Parents' Guide to T.I. and Tiny: The Family Hustle

TV VH1 Reality TV 2011
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Popular hip-hop artist rebuilds family after jail stint.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 10+

Based on 4 kid reviews

What's the Story?

T.I. AND TINY: THE FAMILY HUSTLE stars rapper T.I. and his wife, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle-Harris, as they restart their family life after T.I.'s release from federal prison. After a tumultuous release, T.I. returns home to Tiny and their six children. Raising their attention-loving kids isn't easy, especially when they're both trying to continue building their careers in the music and entertainment industry. But they're committed to staying on track and out of jail in order to keep their family together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 4 ):

Like T.I.'s Road To Redemption, this series offers an image of the hip-hop star that appears to be him trying to redeem himself from his past mistakes -- only this time he focuses on his children rather than a group of troubled teens. Meanwhile, Tiny offers her thoughts about missing her husband while he was in prison and the need for him to remain focused on their family in order to be a more involved parent.

While the pair's past makes the show feel more colorful, the fact is that the series doesn't do much more than feature two adults trying to make positive decisions for their children's sake. It's also voyeuristic, thanks to the cameras rolling during some brief intimate moments between the pair. Not everyone will be convinced that he's turned over a new leaf, but no doubt T.I. fans will definitely find him both sympathetic and entertaining to watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how reality shows can help people change their public image. Why do you think T.I. and Tiny continue to appear on these shows despite their legal troubles? What kind of messages are they trying to send to the public?

  • What are the consequences of getting involved in gangs or using drugs? How can the media be used to teach kids about making more positive choices? Do you think T.I. and Tiny's reality show is an example of this? Why or why not?

  • Talk about celebrities as role models. What happens when someone you admire gets in trouble? What are the positives of looking up to someone in the public eye?

TV Details

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