The Resilient Melody of Tameka “Tiny” Cottle

Known to many simply as “Tiny,” Tameka Cottle has traversed decades of reinvention, triumph, and turmoil — from her breakthrough as part of a defining 1990s R&B group to Grammy-winning songwriter, reality-TV figure, and architect of a blended family empire. Her journey is one of persistence, reinvention, and artistry.

A Humble Beginning — and the Birth of “Tiny”

Tameka Dianne Cottle was born July 14, 1975 in College Park, Georgia.  From an early age, music was woven into her DNA: her father (and uncle) once performed in an R&B group, planting seeds for her own musical future. 

Her nickname “Tiny” — hardly ironic, given the power behind her voice — came courtesy of her petite 4′-11″ frame. 

As the years would show, “Tiny” would become less about stature and more about strength.

Rising Star: From So So Def Discovery to R&B Stardom

In 1992, while still attending Tri-Cities Performing Arts High School, Cottle joined the nascent girl group Xscape. The group quickly caught the attention of producer Jermaine Dupri at a birthday celebration in Atlanta — a serendipitous moment that led to a record deal with his label. 

Xscape’s debut album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, and subsequent releases Off the Hook and Traces of My Lipstick propelled them into multi-platinum success. As a member, Cottle lent her voice and spirit to six of the group’s hit singles, including “Understanding,” “All I Need,” and “My Little Secret.” 

In doing so, she helped define the sound of 1990s R&B, weaving soulful vocals with streetwise swagger — a style that resonated deeply with a generation hungry for authenticity.

Behind the Hits: Songwriting That Changed the Game

But Cottle’s influence extended beyond her vocals. In 1999–2000, she co-wrote (with fellow Xscape alum) Kandi Burruss the smash-hit “No Scrubs” for the girl group TLC. The song's massive success earned her — and Burruss — a prestigious Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. 

This turn from performer to behind-the-scenes creator showcased Cottle’s versatility and cemented her status as a gifted songwriter, not just a front-woman.

Beyond the Band: Reinvention, Reality TV, and Solo Hustle

After Xscape’s initial split in 1998, Cottle faced what many artists dread: transition. But she navigated it with tenacity. In 2005, she reunited with groupmates (including new member Kiesha Miles) to release Unchained.

She also expanded into television. In 2009, she starred in the reality series Tiny and Toya, alongside friend Antonia “Toya” Wright — a show that gained traction and gave fans a glimpse into her life beyond music.

Then in the 2010s, Cottle relaunched herself under a new record label, Pretty Hustle. Her first solo single, “What the F*** You Gon Do?,” premiered in July 2014 — quickly climbing to the top spot on iTunes R&B/Soul charts. 

Through every pivot, she proved that her talent wasn’t tied solely to a group, but to an individual voice — creative, resilient, and adaptive.

Love, Family, and Public Life — The Personal Side of Tiny

The story of Cottle’s personal life is deeply intertwined with both love and complexity. In the early 2000s, she began a relationship with prominent rapper T.I. (real name Clifford Joseph Harris Jr.), culminating in marriage on July 30, 2010.

Together, they have three children: sons King C’Andre Harris and Major Philant Harris, and daughter Heiress Diana Harris. Tiny also has an older daughter, Zonnique Jailee Pullins, from a past relationship — and through her marriage to T.I., she became part of a blended family with stepchildren.

Their personal life — including successes, struggles, and family dynamics — was chronicled in reality-TV ventures such as T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle and later T.I. & Tiny: Friends & Family Hustle.

Though reports in 2016 disclosed a divorce filing by Tiny, sources indicate that the two have continued to work on their relationship beyond that point. 

Through it all, she has navigated public scrutiny, personal loss, and the chaos of celebrity while trying to protect what matters most: her children and her art.

What’s Her Worth? Estimating Tiny’s Net Worth

Estimating a net worth for someone with a multifaceted career — music, songwriting royalties, television, business ventures — is never exact. Different sources provide varying figures.

• An older but widely cited estimate places her net worth at roughly US $10 million. 

• More conservative estimations suggest a figure near US $3 million, reflecting perhaps only certain streams of income. 

Given her long-term involvement in high-performing R&B albums, a Grammy-winning songwriting catalog (including a cultural touchstone like “No Scrubs”), recurring reality-TV exposure, and her label initiative with Pretty Hustle — it’s reasonable to believe her economic value lies closer to the higher end of estimates.

Enduring Influence — More Than Just a Voice

What makes Tiny’s story compelling isn’t only the hits or the spotlight — it’s durability. She has reinvented herself across decades: from a member of a girl group, to a sought-after songwriter, to a television personality, to a solo artist launching her own label.

Her impact is felt not only in chart history, but in the artists she has inspired, the women she’s empowered, and the blended family she’s helped build under public gaze. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or navigating family life, her narrative remains one of authenticity and persistence.

In a music industry often defined by fleeting fame, Tiny stands out as a testament to longevity — a woman who refused to fade, and instead redefined what it means to evolve.

Quick Facts

• Birthdate: July 14, 1975 

• Known As: Tiny (nickname), Tameka Cottle

• Notable Roles: Member of Xscape; Grammy-winning songwriter; Reality-TV personality; Solo artist under Pretty Hustle

• Net Worth Estimates: ~US $10 million (upper), ~US $3 million (conservative)