Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Fans Cheer TI at 'Bye Bash' Before Prison

48 hours before prison, Atlanta rapper sells out arena

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2009 9:18 AM CDT

(Newser) – TI returned to his native Atlanta to play a sold out "Goodbye Bash" last night, just two days before he reports to a federal prison for a weapons conviction. Many of his fans expressed support for the convicted rapper, whom they described as a role model, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Going to prison is like waking up in the morning," shrugged one producer. "It happens to everybody."

TI, already a convicted felon, was sentenced to a year and a day for illegal firearms possession. A federal judge last week denied a motion to delay the start of his sentence. One young parent, who brought her two children to the concert, called TI a positive influence for her son and daughter. She seemed incredulous that he was about to be behind bars. "I mean, is he really going in?" she asked.

The Grammy-winning rapper is to report by noon tomorrow to prison to serve a sentence for weapons possession. What I need y'all to do is pray for me while I'm gone, he said to the audience.
The Grammy-winning rapper is to report by noon tomorrow to prison to serve a sentence for weapons possession. "What I need y'all to do is pray for me while I'm gone," he said to the audience.   (AP Photo/Kat Goduco)
Rapper TI, whose real name is Clifford Harris, of Atlanta, listens to a question as he testifies in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in Cincinnati.
Rapper TI, whose real name is Clifford Harris, of Atlanta, listens to a question as he testifies in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court in Cincinnati.   (AP Photo/David Kohl, file)
TI appears onstage during MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York in 2007.
TI appears onstage during MTV's "Total Request Live" at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York in 2007.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow,File)
Rapper TI performs in Atlanta yesterday.  The Grammy-winning rapper is to report by noon tomorrow to federal prison in Forrest City, Ark., to serve a sentence for a federal weapons conviction.
Rapper TI performs in Atlanta yesterday. The Grammy-winning rapper is to report by noon tomorrow to federal prison in Forrest City, Ark., to serve a sentence for a federal weapons conviction.   (AP Photo/Kat Goduco)
Rapper TI holds his 4-year-old son Clifford King Joseph Harris on stage in Atlanta yesterday.
Rapper TI holds his 4-year-old son Clifford "King" Joseph Harris on stage in Atlanta yesterday.   (AP Photo/Kat Goduco)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
manbearwire
May 26, 2009 5:23 AM CDT
I'd say any one that hard working attempting to spread a positive influence can be considered a role model.
Robert_Dada
May 25, 2009 8:10 AM CDT
They aren't role models. They're misguided young adults on a mic.

More Newser Stories

Bankrupt Rapper Could Lose ... His Name

New Music Trend: Rap About Your Own Vodka

Georgetown Prof Teaches Jay-Z Course

Rapper Lupe Fiasco: Obama's the Real Terrorist

Eminem Slams Gaga in New Song


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne