Zonnie Pullins, also known as Zebo, is the biological father of R&B singer Zonnique Pullins. Born May 16, 1970, in Atlanta, Georgia, he gained recognition through his relationship with Xscape singer Tameka “Tiny” Cottle. Today, he maintains a private life with his wife Cheryl and their two children.
Many people search for Zonnie Pullins after discovering his famous daughter or learning about the complex family dynamics involving rapper T.I. His story reveals a man who chose privacy over fame, despite connections to some of hip-hop’s biggest names. Understanding his journey helps explain the unique family structure that raised one of R&B’s rising stars.
This article explores Zonnie Pullins’ background, his relationship with Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, his role as a father, and the controversies that brought him into the public eye. You’ll learn about his current life, his other children, and how he navigates being the biological father of a celebrity.
Who Is Zonnie Pullins?
Zonnie Pullins, often called Zebo, was born on May 16, 1970, in Atlanta, Georgia. He became publicly known through his relationship with Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, a member of the 1990s R&B group Xscape. Unlike his famous ex-partner and daughter, Zonnie has deliberately maintained a low profile throughout his life.
His early years in Atlanta exposed him to the city’s rich music culture. However, he never entered the entertainment industry himself. Details about his education and early career remain largely unknown, as he prefers to keep personal information private.
What we do know is that his life changed dramatically when he met Tameka Cottle during the height of Xscape’s success in the 1990s. This relationship would eventually make him the father of a future star.
Why People Search for Him
Three main reasons drive searches for Zonnie Pullins:
- His daughter’s fame – Zonnique Pullins has built a successful career in music and reality television
- Connection to T.I. – The rapper became Zonnique’s stepfather, creating public interest in her biological father
- Family controversies – Public disputes in 2016 brought him unwanted attention
Relationship with Tameka “Tiny” Cottle
Zonnie and Tiny dated from approximately 1992 to 1998. They met when Xscape was gaining national recognition. Their relationship produced one child but never resulted in marriage.
Their Daughter Zonnique
On March 20, 1996, they welcomed daughter Zonnique Jailee Pullins. The baby girl would eventually follow in her mother’s musical footsteps, joining the girl group OMG Girlz and later pursuing a solo career.
The relationship between Zonnie and Tiny ended in the late 1990s. Zonnie spent time in prison when Zonnique was younger, which affected his ability to be present during her early childhood years. During this time, Tiny moved on with rapper Clifford “T.I.” Harris Jr.
Life After Tiny
After separating from Tiny, Zonnie married Cheryl Redmond Pullins. Together they have two children: Zonnie Jr. and Zoey Pullins. This second family represents his fresh start away from the spotlight.
Cheryl brings impressive credentials to the family. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2002. Her career includes positions at major companies like Verisign and Cox Communications, where she worked for 12 years in various technical and management roles.
Being Zonnique’s Father
Zonnie’s role as Zonnique’s biological father has been complicated by T.I.’s prominent presence in her life. T.I. has raised Zonnique since she was 5 years old, becoming the primary father figure during her formative years.
Despite this, Zonnie has maintained contact with his daughter throughout her life. Their relationship has weathered both private struggles and public scrutiny.
The 2016 Family Controversy
The most publicized conflict occurred in 2016 when T.I. posted a vacation photo with Zonnique on Instagram, captioning it “Mines!!!” This seemingly innocent post triggered a chain reaction.
Cheryl Pullins took issue with T.I. taking credit for raising Zonnique. The situation escalated into a public argument between Cheryl and Tiny on social media. When Zonnique defended her mother, telling Cheryl to stay out of issues involving Tiny, tensions reached a breaking point.
According to sources, Zonnie contacted Zonnique and told her to lose his number, effectively disowning her temporarily. The incident revealed the complex emotions surrounding blended families and public recognition.
Current Father-Daughter Relationship
Despite past conflicts, the relationship appears to have healed. Zonnique has posted photos wishing her father happy birthday and Father’s Day, expressing gratitude for the life he gave her. She maintains contact with both her biological father and stepfather.
Their relationship demonstrates that family bonds can survive public drama and private disagreements. While T.I. played the larger role in her upbringing, Zonnique acknowledges her biological father’s place in her life.
Zonnie’s Current Life
Today, Zonnie Pullins lives quietly with his wife Cheryl and their two children. He has no public social media presence and rarely appears in photos or interviews. This privacy allows him to maintain normalcy away from his daughter’s celebrity status.
Career and Net Worth
Specific details about his profession or business ventures remain undisclosed. Unlike his wife, who has a well-documented career in technology, Zonnie keeps his professional life private.
His estimated net worth is over $100,000, though this figure cannot be verified due to the limited information available. He likely works in a field unrelated to entertainment, allowing him to maintain separation from the public eye.
Family Focus
His priorities clearly center on his immediate family with Cheryl. Their children, Zonnie Jr. and Zoey, grow up away from the spotlight that surrounds their half-sister. This choice suggests Zonnie learned from his earlier experiences with public attention.
Understanding the Pullins-Harris Family Dynamic
The blended family situation involving Zonnie, Tiny, T.I., and their children represents modern family structures. Several children call this extended family home:
| Child | Mother | Father | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zonnique Pullins | Tiny | Zonnie | 1996 |
| Zonnie Jr. | Cheryl | Zonnie | Unknown |
| Zoey Pullins | Cheryl | Zonnie | Unknown |
| King Harris | Tiny | T.I. | 2004 |
| Major Harris | Tiny | T.I. | 2008 |
| Heiress Harris | Tiny | T.I. | 2016 |
This structure shows how children can have multiple parental figures while maintaining connections to their biological parents. Zonnique benefits from both T.I.’s active involvement and Zonnie’s continued presence.
Lessons from Zonnie’s Story
Zonnie Pullins’ experience offers insights into several important topics:
Privacy vs. Fame: You can maintain privacy even when connected to celebrities. Zonnie chose a quiet life despite his daughter’s fame.
Co-Parenting Challenges: Blended families require cooperation and respect. The 2016 controversy showed what happens when boundaries blur.
Second Chances: Relationships can heal after conflict. Zonnie and Zonnique rebuilt their connection after their public dispute.
Supporting from the Shadows: Not every parent needs public recognition. T.I. raised Zonnique, but Zonnie remained her biological father.
What Happened to Zonnie Pullins?
People often wonder what happened to Zonnie after he stepped away from the spotlight. The simple answer is that he chose a private life. He didn’t disappear or face any major tragedy. He simply decided that fame wasn’t for him.
His story continues with his wife and younger children. He occasionally connects with Zonnique and celebrates her success from a distance. This choice reflects his values and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zonnie Pullins?
Zonnie Pullins is the biological father of singer Zonnique Pullins and the ex-boyfriend of Xscape member Tameka “Tiny” Cottle.
Is Zonnie Pullins married?
Yes, Zonnie married Cheryl Redmond Pullins after separating from Tiny. They have two children together.
What does Zonnie Pullins do for a living?
His specific career remains private, though he maintains an estimated net worth over $100,000.
Does Zonnique have a relationship with her biological father?
Yes, despite past conflicts, Zonnique maintains contact with Zonnie and publicly acknowledges him on special occasions.
Why did Zonnie Pullins go to prison?
While sources confirm he served time, specific details about the charges or duration remain undisclosed.
The Quiet Man Behind the Fame
Zonnie Pullins represents countless parents connected to fame through their children or former partners. His choice to remain private shows that not everyone wants celebrity status. He experienced both the benefits and costs of public attention, ultimately choosing peace over prominence.
His relationship with Zonnique, though complicated by T.I.’s presence and family conflicts, endures. Their story reminds us that biological connections don’t disappear, even when circumstances create distance. Today, Zonnie lives the quiet life he apparently always wanted, supporting his children while avoiding cameras and interviews.
