Although critics wrote him off quickly in the beginning of his career -- as a possibly one hit wonder, or even a gimmick -- T-Pain has defied odds. Despite the runaway success, the singer himself didn't expect his success to last this long.

In a recent interview with the Chicago Sun, the Florida singer revealed that he doubted himself, after receiving so much hate at the start of his career, he didn't expect to be around today.

"I didn’t even see myself making it past the first album," Pain admitted to the paper. "The amount of hate I was getting for it; just seeing how people didn't really accept me at first. It was weird. I thought I was going to sell a quick 200,000 and be out the game."

Fortunately for T-Pain, since the release his of 2005 debut Rappa Ternt Sanga, his stock has shot through the roof. To date, he's worked with such superstars as Diddy, Britney Spears, R. Kelly, and even Justin Timberlake. Most recently, he revealed that he plans to cross genres with a possible collaboration with country powerhouse Tim McGraw.

While most successful artists may welcome copycats, as a form of flattery, Pain doesn't. The singer's revitalization of the auto-tune has been a big contribution to music, and wants the credit for it.

"I don't understand why the most hated-on artist is being the most copied," T-Pain said. "Why can't they just own up to what I’ve done for this industry?"

"I've heard people come out with the sound and take credit," he continued." Then I'm like, 'Dang, have you been away from society and not listening to the radio for a year?' But those are the same people who want to make music with me."

With or without receiving his just dues, Pain is pushing forward, riding the wave of his success 'til the wheels fall off.

He recently released his third album, Thr33 Ringz, which boasts collaborations with Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, T.I., Busta Rhymes, Chris Brown, and Kanye West.

And, is currently on the road for Lil Wayne's I Am Music Tour.