A ‘focused’ T.I. Prepares for Prison Time
When T.I. is sentenced this week on federal weapons charges, he is likely to spend about a year in prison just as his career is at its peak: His latest album, “Paper Trail,” has sold almost two million copies, charted two smash No. 1 songs, and a third with Justin Timberlake is near the top of the charts.
But this is not the first time T.I. has been in this situation. Five years ago, just as his rap reputation was soaring with the success of “Rubber Band Man,” he was sent to jail for several months on a probation violation. He emerged from that stint with more success and more fans, thanks to some strategic planning. But now that he’s become a multiplatinum superstar, it’s unclear whether time away from the rap game will be as kind this time around.
“It’s tough to pinpoint what someone might do in the future,” says DJ Toomp, a longtime producer of the Grammy-winning artist. “But I know that he’s really focused now. He understands what’s at stake now, which is taking care of his family. He’ll do his time like a man and then go on to the next step.”
The 28-year-old father of five, whose real name is Clifford Harris, pleaded guilty a year ago to federal weapons charges and was sentenced to one year in prison. To avoid a lengthy sentence, he also agreed to complete 1,000 hours of community service, warning youths about the pitfalls of living a hustler’s life.
Since his plea, T.I. has dedicated himself to working with kids. Along with his community service, he was part of a major voting campaign and has an MTV reality show, “Road to Redemption,” to scare teens straight.
All of T.I.’s recent good deeds will likely be considered during his sentencing hearing Friday in Atlanta. He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison after his sentencing. He could be let out early February 2010, assuming he gets time off for good behavior.
Leave a Reply