By Mark

October 17, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Why are you blogging about this thug again? Who cares? He’s a felon, and he’s going to jail….NEXT

By OEStar68

October 17, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

I heard Frank Ski (V103) interview him and he said he only kept people around that had been w/ him from the beginning. This new bodyguard just started in July. See what happened? When you reach the top, you have to watch your surroundings so you don’t fall back down to the bottom. Vick had to learn that, so now T.I. has to also. I’ll pray for him.

By EPG

October 17, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Surprised, but not surprised… Hand guns are used for personal protection, machine guns are used to kill. Given his previous felony convictions, T.I. knew that it was illegal for him to possess firearms (everybody knows that). The only reason people purchase unregistered guns, is to do dirt and not have it traced back to them (everbody knows that, too). The sad thing about this case is that there are people tryin to defend him, like guns dont hurt or kill people. Too many innocent lives are taken everyday due to the circulation of illegal firearms in our communities, especially in the black community. Despite that I am a native of Atlanta, and I am a fan of T.I., he doesn’t deserve to get out of this situation with a slap on the wrist. As much as I hate to see fellow black man incarcerated, I think T.I.’s incarceration will serve a purpose and send a message to the many kids that follow his music. That message is much needed. With the $12,000 T.I. withdrew from his bank account to purchased these guns, he could have sent someone child to college. Think about that….

By Mumbles

October 17, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Why do you think he needed a no flash, no bang weapon? There’s protection, and there is plotting something shady. Which you do think he was aiming for, no pun intended

By Truth

October 17, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

You can take TI out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of TI!

Just another example of why I keep moving further away from Atlanta!

By REDD

October 17, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Okay, everyone in the lime light needs to read this, not the average person,that has no idea what the life is like. I own guns, does that make me a thug? Or does that make me a smart person to be able to protect myself, and I have never seen my best friend gunned down.

He went to jail and did his time. He has given more to the community than anyone on this blog. Despite his past and style of music (which by the way, no one is forced to listen to, so if you don’t like it….)he is a human that bleeds as we all do.

So if he weren’t convicted felon, what would the problem? He is not to be around weapons, well he has bodyguards, that have, what? Yes weapons! He did not harm anyone, and yes he is guilty, but let him be charged as the court sees fit. He must be accountable, but a thug, nah he just didn’t get that surburbia childhood and he relates to the real world that exist beyond the pencil pushing jobs.

Thug….ooooo such a harsh word…. (not really, just to those that think they are better than others) What about murderer, thief, corruption, those are the words that are the threat to our community, society and world, but they aren’t thugs, they are: Wall Street, politicians, and the real estate developers.

I am ok with him being a THUG, at least he is honest to admit his lifestyle and NOT PRETENDING to do what looks good in the public image until he is busted.

What would people do without having someone to judge or talk about? No wonder reality TV is such a hit, everyone has something to say about stuff they have no idea about or let alone be able to relate.

Jail or not, he is not going to change the REAL person that he is!

By Diogenes

October 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Why should anyone be surprised? He is one of many faces of an entire subculture that has marginalized itself through abandonment of the family structure, disdain for educational achievement, and an embrace of mindless violence and self-destructive behavior … so marginalized itself, in fact, that it really no longer matters to anyone any more, except to the extent that it can attract attention to itself and cause offense through base and degrading so-called “art,” and the afore-mentioned mindless violent behavior.

I rarely agree with Cynthia Tucker, but I have to commend her for her column today. It was brave of her to write it, and risk the inevitable accusations of “Uncle Tom-ism,” because it’s the truth. Whether the violent hip-hop subculture has exacerbated this problem, or is merely a reflection of it, the fact remains we are left with an entire sub-culture of our population which is unskilled, uneducated, unparented, unemployable, irresponsible, and violent — and actually EMBRACES and REVELS in those very traits. The resulting drag on our society is enormous, and stands to only get worse.

By EPG

October 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

T.I.’s arrest in this case, doesn’t do much to change the perception of young black men in America. White people looks at this situation and smile. Hard working, college degree seeking black males, like myself, look at this situation and shake our heads. No matter how hard we work as a people to change our image in society, all it takes is one incident like this and we’re right back where we started. Sad.

By had enough

October 17, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Redd, I totally agree. What about the lady that bought her son all of those guns to use at a school(a lot more than what T.I. had) I guess that is okay though.

By Diogenes

October 17, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

And EPG, I understand what you’re saying, and feel for you — you’re apparently not a part of the sub-culture I talked about, but are unfairly associated with it in many peoples’ eyes. You, more than anyone, should be offended by this kind of behavior. Hang in there, my man.

By Peaches

October 17, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

EPG, I don’t know that “white people smile” is true. For me, I find this a terribly sad situation. My reaction is probably a lot like the one you describe. I know many good black men who are trying to do the right thing, work hard and get ahead. I don’t lump them in with the gangsta culture. You are not back where you started from but TI is.

By tony

October 17, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

TI is innocient, security lives in his house, those where the security guns

By NICOLE

October 17, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

Let’s all pray that God has mercy on TI. I hope that he will learn from this mistakes and makes this a stepping stone to continue to influence the lives of others. He a a symbol of Making out of the Street even with a felony conviction. TI always talks about his mom, wife and kids, let’s not forget to pray for them. Dont be fooled into thinking a deserves to be a modern day slave camp while his family suffers becuase of his prior. The War on Weapon is a game… The War on Drugs is a game. If they really went after the true thugs we all would be suprised about who they were.Consequences-Yes…Jail..No No.

Keep the Faith TI

By EPG

October 17, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

I appreciate that Diogenes. Things like this do sadden me and offend me, because you see someone who looks like you, someone who is from a similar background as yourself and you admire their progression from that place in society. But when something like this happens, something that is self inflicted, it hurts you because it re-enforces the negative perception. I think if we analyze this particular situation from the right perspective it can be motivating to some degree.

By Jones

October 17, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

How in the world would ANYONE defend this thug and the other thugs of our country.

The man knew what he was doing, knew is was against the law, knew that he was not to be around firearms, but apparently, since he is such a BIG person in the Hip/hop/thug community, he should merely get a slap on the wrist.

Nicole, pray all you want, it won’t help. He, and the rest of these “thugs” need to be put away with the rest of the underbelly of our country.

Nothing good comes from a Thug. Why anyone would want to be one is beyond me.

Grow up and take responsbility for yourself and your actions. Be a man.

Thugs are nothing but cowards in my eyes.

By robo

October 17, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

I’m more concern why people even people listen to this commercialized “MTV” hip-hop that is so shallow and glorifies about this “thug” culture.
When the sun sets, no one is going to give a rats a$$ about these celebrities.

By Jo

October 17, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Diogenes, I agree with every word you posted. Personally, the entire rap, hip-hop, thug “culture” (?!?) is nothing but cheap, senstionlized trash glamourizing ghetto life, crime, laziness, violence & sending the most negative message to our youth of ALL ethnicities

By EPG

October 17, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Correction Peaches: all white people are not smiling at this. But to the greater majority of white people who still possess this ideology of what the stereotypical 20 year-old black male is, it re-enforces that. And it proves them right, thats what I meant. To police officers who think that excessive force is necessary when dealing with young black men, it justifies their thinking. To people in corporate America who prejudge young qualified black men and denied them equal opportunity, this supports their decisions.

By STFU

October 17, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

I don’t think T.I. is a thug, so what, guns, doesn’t mean someone is going to use them for harm. I dont think all of those weapons are his, regardless, I am praying for him because I hate to see anyone locked up. Everyone has their own opinion, but so what he is a convicted felon, he has given back to his community in more ways than a lot of people have. He did the crime, he has to do the time, but its still an ugly situation. I am a huge fan, and I guess that is why I feel “sad” for him.

By Belinda

October 17, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

T.I. you are my spiritual son for God has put you on my heart. I have obeyed and prayed for you. May God’s peace, grace, mercy, and love be with you in Christ Jesus’ name. Have anyone thought that the Lord removed T.I. from the scene to protect him from what was to come? T.I. keep your head up.

By Jo

October 17, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Oh, brother, you lily-livered, bleeding heart do-gooders who “think” no one deserves to be in jail are SO naiive! Will you finally change your tune if, God forbid, one of those pieces of garbage kills one of your loved ones?

By ron

October 17, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I too praise Cynthia Tucker for today’s column.This young T.I.guy appears to be a bad thing waiting to happen.For whatever reason, at 26 he decided to self-destruct.Now maybe magic lawyers can get him off,That seems to be his last hope.Not much of a future ,really.

By NICOLE

October 17, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Judge TI like you would want to be judged. We’ve all made bad choices… some even have committed crimes they did not have not got caught for but just because you he has money or represents hip-hop does not mean he should face harsher sentence. FREE TI & Leave Vick the Hell alone!

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

T.I. stands for Totally Ignorant or Total Idiot. Truth get a life crime occurs everywhere. Did you know that Peachtree City with all of their golf carts and professional people have their own task force for children sex crimes. Did you know that the majority of drug/alcohol centers are located up north. They ain’t there for the trees honey. They are there to be accessible to their clients. So don’t blame everything on Atlanta. That is that same hype that had people moving to the burbs until they discovered that their neighbors where growing weed in the basment of their home and doing everything else. Isn’t Paris Hilton a felon now? Now she is going to Rawanda to clean up her image. Gee. Angelina, Brad, Madonna, George Clooney, Leonardo and Bono have all pimped Africa. Now it is Paris “GED” Hilton’s turn.

By Jo

October 17, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

So, Nicole, you think it’s “OK” & “acceptable” to abuse animals & committ other violent crimes? No it is NOT OK. Anyone who considers deliberate, violent crime an acceptable way to conduct one’s life is SICK, SICK, SICK & is a potential menace to society. It’s been statistically proven that people who think committing violence is just fine are at a higher risk for becoming violent felons themselves

By what has he given back??

October 17, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Just curious, Personally I think he’s an idiot for having the guns as a millionaire and convicted felon. His security personal could be registered gun owners and he wouldn’t need to have machine guns and silencers for protection. Hey, but that’s me.

But what has he given back? (I’m curious about this, I really don’t know) or has he just propitiated the stereotype about young black men that the only option is to be “hood” or “keep it real” is the only option avaliable for young black men.

Why don’t we hold the Barrack Obamas, Collin Powell, Condelezza Rices, John Lewis, and Clarence Thomass (the list can go on and on) of the world in the same light? Those are role models, not performers.

And to the person who had to point out the white shooter in Cleveland, do you here the white community supporting him? No, his family is a bunch of white trash and I feel no connection to them whatsoever and they deserve to be prosecuted for buying guns for thier psyco kid.

By Jason

October 17, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

“Jail or not, he is not going to change the REAL person that he is!”

If he is a “real person,” why did he stop selling drugs to become a commercial entertainer? Sounds pretty fake to me. What a hyprocrite.

By pamela2k

October 17, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

T.I vs TIP! T.I. should have known better that is what makes me believe this is a PLOT to keep us down (Hip hop artist). Look at what he has done for the community! We are so quick to pass judgement. Let’s allow his attorneys to do their jobs and investigate the situation. Felon—who has not committed a crime, plus that incident happen in 1998 almost 10 years ago.

Crabs in a barrel.

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Attention black men; You will soon be extinct if you do not stop living in this culture of guns, drugs, and killing each other. You should be happy that the Feds took MACHINE GUNS out of your neighborhoods. Grow up and give your children a MAN to look up to and respect. If you do not, your male children are doomed!

By Sugar Ray

October 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Let’s be honest for one minute…TI is a fool and he now could lose everything including his freedom. Some folks never get it. If you break the law, then you got to pay.

A Responsible Black Man

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

More power to all the gun owners, but what the hell was he going to do with all of that? If the guns purchased were legal, couldn’t he have hired at least one body guard that could pass a background check? His friend got gunned down, but that was in Cincinnati; was his entourage going to carry machine guns with them on out of town trips?

I owned an illegal gun before (20yrs old). A sawed off shotgun. I felt that I needed one for some reason. More Drama came to me when I owned that gun than any other time in my life. As soon as I got rid of that gun, the fear of harm left me when that gun left my posession. I haven’t owned one since. Mainly becuase I have been known to blow things out of proportion and be upset more than I should, and I am afraid that I will sensely kill someone just because a gun is there.

I pray that the Lord will continue to keep me from harm. Now that I have a different frame of mind, I may try to own a gun again to protect my house, but at 20 years old, I had one for all the wrong reasons.

By Truth

October 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Many of you make it sound like you believe that if you are black then you should be allowed to break the law. This is the seed that causes people such as TI to get in trouble. He was a CRACK dealer!!! That is not ok. Then he had all of these weapons… with silencers! His momma should have raised him better. Many of you are just thinking that well, this is where he came from. This is what he grew up in. Thoses are all just excuses. One of the best men in Atlanta is Warrick Dunn. He grew up in the ghetto in New Orleans. He lived in a single parent home. His mom was gunned down as well. He took responsibility for his life and made something of himself. It is too bad there are entirely too many TIs in the world and not enough Warrick Dunns!

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

But for real, somebody who knows what he does for the community please provide details. Not from Atlanta, so I don’t know. I know he opened Club Crucial, but was there any educational or outreach organizations? Please explain.

By had enough

October 17, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Once again, I guess the lady that brought her son a whole a** of weapons is a THUG also…we can put her in the same category right? I am not saying what he or she did is right, but let’s be real…there is a double standard here…if you are black and have guns you are a THUG, but if you are white and have guns…what are you…please clairify.

T.I. was probably going to do something really bad and GOD took him off the streets so that he could slow down and think a while about his actions and the way that he is living his life. We have all made mistakes and most of you probably are still doing something wrong. So be real. Let’s focus on the people who are killing and molesting children that we hear on the news everyday of the week.

How many of you that are so quick to judge this man, have guns in your closet right now, and probably are convicted felons.

By Kira

October 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Let me first say that I am not only a native of Atlanta. I am a native of the Bankhead, Hightower Road( HE Holmes) area of which TIP grew up the next street over and hung out on a daily basis with my younger brother.

I totally agree with Redd, unfortunately most of us are products of our environment, meaning that if I grew up in suburbia or in Buckhead and I was surrounded by educated parents ( college graduates) then I would be more likely to go to college, graduate and get a high paying job because that is what I saw all my life. On the ohter hand if I grew up in a drug infested neighborhood, ( selling and using) where you had to fight and/or carry a gun to survive and forget having a father, because that’s not even a option but where the hell is my mother. Then it is more likely that I will become more like the environment that I am accustomed to. Unfortunately the fact that I am now a star and make millions will not automatically change my upbringing, for example , Michael Vick and Pac Man Jones. I am still going to make some mistakes and bad decisions. This does mean that I do not know right from wrong but that I am a work in progress as we all are. Alledgely Clifford is guilty, he should be allowed his day in court just like everyone else. This incident is not a measure of his character and does not make him a THUG as people so freely use to describe an upbringing that they in no way understand , it kind of reminds me of the Whites calling us “n****” With all of that said pray for Clifford and his family , he is our brother, our friend, and a true example of the good , bad, and ugly of growing up in an environment that you did not choose.

By Keo

October 17, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

First let me begin by saying that it saddens me that we are so quick to Judge T.I. as if he is not human like the rest of us. Is it because he is a celebrity? Is it because he is young? Or let’s be real, is it because America’s youth, of all races, are looking up to him and not the likes of George Bush?

Granted, what he did was wrong, I do not deny that. However, I think that society is so quick to condemn the mistakes of young, popular, African American males celebrities but never take a look at the society in which they are groomed to try to make a difference. Like it or not, there are ghettos where life is so adverse that the most popular way out is through violence and drugs. Have you stopped to think about the lack of resources that are invested in these communities to attempt to improve the educational status of these people; rather than the millions of dollars invested into building high rises downtown? When you don’t know better, you don’t do better. And like it or not just because you take a young man out of the ghetto, dress him up and give him millions of dollars, you can not realistically expect for him to conduct himself as if he grew up in a picture perfect environment surrounded by a white picket fence. Just because he does nor conduct himself just as you do, does not make him less of a man. Who are we to throw stones? Maybe this situation is a part of his journey and evolution to a better T.I. Maybe he honestly made a foolish mistake and did not take the time to internalize that until after the fact. Maybe this is even some kind of fluke publicity stunt to promote his new movie.

Please, put your daggers away. To say something as harsh as… “Whether the violent hip-hop subculture has exacerbated this problem, or is merely a reflection of it… we are left with an entire sub-culture of our population which is unskilled, uneducated, unparented, unemployable, irresponsible, and violent — and actually EMBRACES and REVELS in those very traits. The resulting drag on our society is enormous, and stands to only get worse.”

OUCH… Who exactly are you attempting to attack, hip-hop OR the less fortunate and less educated? Please ask yourself, are you a part of the problem or the solution? Or are you just exercising your right to complain?

By 870501972

October 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how you have some people that don’t see the TRUTH, it takes an IDIOT to leave a venue that you are the top nominee receiver to go buy machine guns and military silencers. The more money we get the dumber we get and if anyone thinks it’s going to be easy to get of this they’re stupid, this is the ATF not the ATLPD. Say goodbye to the so-called KING…

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Maybe Tucker can create a blog asking “What has people that we idolize done for the community and list those things”

Can anyone please provide details of what T.I. has done for the community? I would do it myself but I honestly don’t know.

By Beautiful

October 17, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

I agree with the first blogger! He’s a felon who violated his parol. When your child gets shot down in the street by a stray bullet or drive-by, don’t say a dayum word. You hear me! Next … …

By WTF

October 17, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I’m sure most of the comments are filled with hate and racism, so I won’t read any of them.

BUT, I will say this, TI is no more of a thug than Bush, the original white collar thug! The only difference is that TI had to do his dirt on the streets, and Bush gets to do it from Whiteys House!!!!

By Earl

October 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

REDD you said TI has given more to the community than anyone on this BLOG? What a stupid, careless remark. Do you know us all? That little hoodrat thug was about to introduce more guns into the killing fields known as the black parts of Atlanta. Do you need to see more young black males dead? Your vibrating hip hop music you listen to in your car has damaged your brain. This little hoodrat thug is going to the pen, so tell the hood to find a new hero. Besides, he’s a rapper….he has the lifespan of a housefly in October.

By JP

October 17, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Ti is gonna get what he is due. He did something REALLY stupid, and he’ll pay dearly for it. Instaed of trying to buy more illegal weapons, he should’ve been spending the money in ways so he wouldn’t need weapons in his life. And with the type of weaposn he was trying to buy, anyone that defends him needs true help.

Im a real black man, and real men don’t spend their time on weapons, or fighting animals, using drugs, fighting in strip clubs, and so on.

Im gonna say this for me…I AM SICkK and TIRED of having to work so much harder because of these black boys such as Vick, and TI get the world handed to them, and all they can do is the same !@#$ they did when they didnt have any money.

REAL MEN try to improve the community, REAL MEN are leaders, REAL MEN are role models for the young. Martin Luther King was a REAL MAN, Malcolm X was A REAL MAN, Barack Obama is A REAL MAN, Tiger Woods is a REAL MAN, Warrick Dunn is a REAL MAN, I could name so many other, some famous, some not…who find someting PRODUCTIVE to do with their lives.

TI and Vick are kids that never grew up.

Dont defend people who screw up out of stupidity or they will never learn.

Atlanta when will you learn that you are better than how you act.

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

So is our President George Bush a thug for starting a war? Are the people who are members of the National Rife Association thugs. Yall remember that poster that Charlton Heston who played Moses in the Ten Commandments who had a rifle in is hand. Is he a thug? Was so called superstar John Wayne a thug for always carrying a gun fighting with the Indians. I have not heard nor seen ONE media outlet call those Columbine boys a thug. They used soft words like they where isolated and lonely from society by living in safe suburbia. Did the parents go to jail when the cops went in all discovered all of the guns in their basement. Did any media outlet call that Chinese boy who did that shooting at that college in Virgina a thug. It just amazing how the media made it clear that he did it alone and the Chinese commuity is not stereotyped because of it. Kira there a lot of kids in the ghetto who will go to college quicker than those kids in suburbia. Let’s get that straight.

By Sarah

October 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

The black community has such lofty goals with rappers as idols. The look of pure shock on my face when I read about yet another black on black crime or another young black maled going to prison. Perhaps it’s time you all called ‘huddle’ and get new heroes. Perhaps one that speaks the Kings English and doesn’t promote violence.

By Que

October 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon everyone.

First, let me comment to Kira and Redd for there very ridiculous statements. I’m a black male from SW Atlanta,that had all types of people in my family from drug users/dealers to college graduates. I chose the latter. Yes your environment is a part of your makeup and I’m not disagreeing with that. But it comes a time when YOU MUST AGREE TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER OR WORSE. I’m so sick and tired of that excuse in the black community, “man look where I come from” so what. Let’s look to positive things around us or go outside your immediate environmnet to find them.

Now as far as T.I.P. goes I love him to death but that was just RETARDED,STUPID AND DUMB. Not to mention, how hood or street is he for real if he took his lady with him to handle this kind of business. I don’t claim to have sold kilos or shot up houses, but even I caught on to this part of the came at a young age from my uncles,cousins etc. You leave the women and children out of those types of situations.

In closing, I feel you have an even bigger responsiblity to do right once you overcome the misfortunes of your surroundings(i.e. Michael Vick,Pac-Man,T.I.) and if you screw all that up I have no sympathy for you. Let’s focus our energies on some lost children that still have a chance to be saved. Not some Multi-Millionaire IDIOTS.

Peace and Love

By anwar

October 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

for those inquiring on what T.I. has done for the community: Grand Hustle Daycare: a day care in the westside community that offers scholarships for working parents so that they may afford daycare and work. Grand Hustle Scholarship Fund: for students of Atlanta Public Schools with a financial need for college. Essay contests award $3000 per winner. Christmas with T.I.- Like the late Aaliyah used to do as well as Ludacris- his record company takes submissions from families and does major Christamsses for families, as well as a toy drop off in Bowen Homes. T.I.P. Construction- rehabs older homes for first time homebuyers.

Guess you can’t judge a book by is cover after all. AND furthermore, we all mess up. its how we pick up the pieces after everything is broken is what truly defines us. He made a mistake- ine that we are all capable of doing. And just like we all have done, or are doing, or will do, you bounce back.

Here’s to hoping T.I. makes better choices in the future- including deciding on the people to keep in his inner circle.

By Kemmet Ali

October 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Im a southside Chicago native ( 89th & Saginaw) who now resides in Atlanta, West Atlanta in particular not to far where TI grew up. If you ask me he is just a product of the area he grew up. I have seen 15-16 year old kids on my street with guns just like the ones TI was arrested for tryng to obtain. Last month a 17 year old was shot up the street from me and the police took all of 30 minutes to arrive when the Zone 1 Police precinct is right around the corner. If you ask me to live over here you need all that and more, and this coming from a Chicago native, who thought he had seen it all before I moved here to Atlanta. people on here ask why did TI need all of that, and I say to them— West Atlanta is a warzone, Bankhead to Campbellton Rd is overrun with teenagers with dreadlocks and gold teeth who make the violence of the 80’s, and early 90’s look calm and placid. Atlanta had a lull in crime prior to and after the Olympics. But that sadly is over, I hope you all are ready for this younger generation, the children of the crack babies, to take over and make the streets run red with blood

By JP

October 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Thsi has nothing to do with bush, Columbine, the CHinese or whatever else.

It’s 1 idiot that that doesnt have street smarts or book smarts. He’s trying to living a thug life without thug sense.

He deserve every day of time they give him. He was given a great gift, and llok what he decided to do with it. Now all of us real black men have to pay for his dumb decisions. I honestly hope he stays in jail.

By Chris

October 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Read JP’s post above. It cannot be said better.

By Joyce Jones

October 17, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

My heart and my prayers are with the children of T.I. and Tiny.I hope the outcome of the this situation does not destroy the family unit.As long the punishment is upright and justice is serve in honorable manner its cool.But when the system so obviously try to railroad young black brothers-“make an example of them” and othres get away with MURDERS and SEXUAL ASSAULTS on young chlidren.THE JUSTICE SYSTEM APPEARS BLACK AND WHITE!!!!!!!MONEY TALKS TO MAKE A WHITE WALK FREE!!!!!!

By Joyce Jones

October 17, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

My heart and my prayers are with the children of T.I. and Tiny.I hope the outcome of the this situation does not destroy the family unit.As long the punishment is upright and justice is serve in honorable manner its cool.But when the system so obviously try to railroad young black brothers-“make an example of them” and othres get away with MURDERS and SEXUAL ASSAULTS on young chlidren.THE JUSTICE SYSTEM APPEARS BLACK AND WHITE!!!!!!!MONEY TALKS TO MAKE A WHITE WALK FREE!!!!!!

By yoni4u

October 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

To EPG:

I totally agree with you on your comments. I am a fan of T.I. and it greatly disheartens me to see this behavior from him. I suppose I was hoping that he was able to put this type of living behind him; esepecially after his appearance on Hip Hop v. America on BET. And, you are absolutely right, that $12K could have funded a child’s education from the same hood he came from. His behavior, along with other black men who participate in illegal activity, continues to cause white America to believe that all rap and hip-hop is garbage, and that most blacks can’t handle fame and wealth. I really hate this happened.

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Thanks Anwar for providing backup to everyone who stated that T.I. does a lot for the community. I know that Vick did too, both in VA and ATL.

I just wish as blacks we would think before we act. That goes for any situation. Including how many of us, gun or no gun disrespect ourselves with no disregard for the public to see.

By Charles

October 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

You people don’t believe what’s written in the Bible, the scriptures. It is impossible for African Americans to secure themselves with guns. The rich, poor, old, young, so-called educated, uneducated, have chosen the material world, integration, over the spiritual world, separation; they’ve chosen evil over good.

I can assure you that African Americans and their selected bootlicking, butt licking, buck dancing, bamboozled, some half-baked and others half-fried, punkified, sissified, pasteurized, homogenized, N**** leaders and prominent individuals will die in the streets of the United States Of America; by a lying, deceitful tongue, they have caused their children to suffer.

T. I. and African Americans are not suffering primarily because of the decisions they have made personally, but because of the decisions made collectively by their deceitful leaders and prominent people.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Your environment as a child is the product of your parent(s)ability or disability to provide. Listen folks,black and white, Stop having children you can’t afford and we will ALL be better off.

By Turn Back the Clock

October 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I remember when “T.I.” stood for Texas Instruments.

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

@ Charles

Ahhh, here we go with that Youuu People phrase. You also made reference I am sure to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. While it is true that many people support these characters without thinking for themselves first (ex.Duke rape case and many others), there are many who don’t and have thier own mind to evaluate the issues first.

Look at the war in Iraq. Look at the millions of white people who supported this nonsense in the name of being patriotic while the true enemy is hiding in the mountains laughing somewhere and reaping the oil profits that Bush is trying to steal.

There is no difference my friend; from brianwashed Americans who back everything that the illiterate cowboy George Bush says.

By Wen

October 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

TI has done a lot. Provided by Wikipedia Community work T.I. has stepped up his community involvement as well, taking the lead on several initiatives to help the victims devastated by Hurricane Katrina, including personally donating $50,000 to the relief effort while leading an on-air Labor Day pledge drive on Atlanta’s V-103 FM that raised over $263,000 for Mississippi rapper David Banner’s “Heal the Hood” Foundation. He also partnered with David Banner and Atlanta newcomer Young Jeezy for a two-day food and clothing drive at Atlanta’s Club Vision and co-headlined a massive benefit concert on September 17, sharing the bill with heavyweights such as Nelly, OutKast’s Big Boi, and David Banner - with 100 percent of the proceeds going to “Heal the Hood”.

In addition to his Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, T.I. worked with troubled youths at Paulding Detention Center in Atlanta, provided scholarships for single parent families at Boys and Girls Clubs, and headlined Boost Mobile’s RockCorps concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, which featured such performers as Fat Joe, Slim Thug, and Kanye West, and was held exclusively for community service volunteers. In June 2005, The Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Foundation, named for the deceased member of multi-platinum female group TLC, and Atlanta’s V-103 honored T.I. with the 2005 Lisa Lopes Award for groundbreaking achievements in music and community service which was court ordered. With this steady list of growing accomplishments T.I. is being recognized as the “Jay-Z of the South.” according to Pharrell Williams of multi-platinum production team The Neptunes.[18].

T.I. has joined forces again with the Make-A-Wish foundation to grant an Orlando teen’s wish. He joined labelmate/protege’ Young Dro on stage for a taping at The Showtime At The Apollo to meet 15 year old Sara Labare on October 15 at the Apollo Theatre. Labare, who suffers from an autoimmune disorder, received a digital camera,an autographed poster, CDs, and sat in the front row during T.I.’s performance. T.I. has granted a total of 3 wishes.

T.I. kept a fan smiling when he showed up at 11-year-old Ajmal Acklin’s, who suffers from acute lymblastic leukemia with Christmas gifts. Hot-107.9 announcer Griff asked the 11 year old does he like T.I. and Acklin responded “Yes” and his favorite song was “What You Know”. Griff told him that T.I. was here and the 11-year-old’s eyes lit up. T.I. walked in and said: “How you doing, I just wanted to come see how you’re doing … I heard the church bought you a PlayStation 3, so I got you some games”. One by one, each visitor offered their prayers and well wishes, ending with A-Team intern Ree Williams doing a stirring a capella version of the gospel tune “Even Me”. Before she hit the last note Ajmal’s mom ducked into the kitchen, tears in her eyes.

T.I.’s King Foundation is also scheduled to donate 10,000 bikes to the Boys & Girls Club in New Orleans.

T.I.’s night club, Club Crucial, where he and V-103 announcer Greg Street will give away 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in the Boys & Girls Club.[19]

By Nobody

October 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

LET ME SPELL THIS IN ENGLISH For the people who say give T.I. a break because he is black and we are rushing to judgement get over what happened when Don Imus said some ignorant crap on the radio. They wanted him fired.

Look at the Duke kids. They were crucified before they even made it to court and now the whole thing was a joke.

TI was a convicted felon who was on probation. I own guns for protection but they are registerd. He has body guards who could register guns unless they are convicted felons as well. What in God’s name would he need 2 UZI’s and a Swat sub machine gun with silencers for? Why did he have 3 other guns in his car? He only has 2 hands.

You people who thing we are rushing to judgement are blinded. There is a double standard alright. All black peope are innocent and all white people are out to get them. That is why we will always have differences.

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

So Rusty what is Brittany Spears excuse for not taking care of her kids. She is worth 100M and is one of the worst mothers in the world. How do you think her kids will turn out. Will they party all day and night like her. I will never forget the video of David Hasselhoff eating that hamburger drunk as a skunk. My all time favorite is Alec Baldwin cursing his 12 year old daughter out over the phone. These folks have have lots of money to provide for their kids. It ain’t all about the Benjamins all of the time in raising kids.

By JP

October 17, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Deelin, Charles

This has nothing to do with politics, leaders, scriptures, Bush, Iraq or whatever else…

Just 1 idiots decsion. Sen Craig made a stupid decison, and white people arent afraid to denounce him. TI makes a idiot decision and Im not, and othe black folk shouldn’t be afraid to denounce him either.

Don’t stand up for someone else, stand up for yourself, your morals , your honor.

By renee

October 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

It is sad it really is. But your life is based on choices and you can’t tell me that TI didn’t know what he was doing wasn’t right. Think of it like this you are where you are right now in your life because of the choices you made or are making. Judge him like you want to be judged. Let’s stop making excuses and lets start making a difference. I feel sorry for him but they are making examples out of our black men in this country. All you can do is pray for him and his family. There is a lesson to be learned and there is knowledge to be gained in this situation. TI, I wish you the best!!!

By Sam

October 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Deelin @ 1:15 (Dealing?)

“There is no difference my friend; from brianwashed Americans who back everything that the illiterate cowboy George Bush says.”

I’ll bet Bush can spell “brainwashed”.

In addition, Bush received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968, and then served as an F-102 fighter pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. President Bush received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1975.

There aren’t a lot of illiterate Yale AND Harvard graduates who learn pilot F-102s.

I wonder if T.I. graduated from Yale or Harvard (no, I really don’t wonder).

But you should be proud, Deelin, of your GED or equivalent “specialized university” background too.

Nobody likes a bigot.

By WTH

October 17, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Charles.. WTH are you talking about? Stay off the crack pipe!

I just hope all the individuals who are judging and condemning TI and other “thugs” have their own lives together.. Remember people… all have fallen short of the glory of God and he who has not sinned cast the first stone…. What judgemental people need to remember is that in God’s eyes it does not matter how big or small the sin is…. This life in temporary.. where are you spending eternity?? Just don’t think because you are not a “thug” makes you any better.. I am sure you have fornicated, lied etc.. at some point in your life time…

Keep ya head up TI and Vick and lean on God during this time….

By p

October 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

I think when you have done your time, you have done it. Society never gives you a no break you,are forever labeled FELON!!! You have no break in job industry its discrimation, how are you suppose to make a living for your famil. When you are judged by your past. God dont judge us for our past mistakes, but he forgives those who havetruly change their ways. You made a serious mistake TI its a learning lesson he who is without sin CAST THE FIRST STONE!!!!!

By Kira

October 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

This is my last and final comment, because it is silly and shows a lack of maturity to get into a p** contest when someone expresses their opinion. There is no right answer,these are all opinions.

Why are we so quick to throw stones and ridicule each other, that normally happens when we ourselves have flaws that we do not want others to judge so we protect ourselves by judging others.

To Hotlanta, let me be clear, I stated that we are product of our environment meaning that more times than not we immulate what we see and are around. I did not say that kids from the ghetto would not go to college, get the entire point and stop being so quick to look for the negative. By the way Do you have the numbers and/ or statistics of how many kids from the lower income population ( your version of ghetto I guess) will go to college and gradute verses kids from the subburbs, and if you do can you qualify said data and research based on experience or is this what you heard? The point: There is a difference between giving an opinion and throwing out these random unfounded facts.

I will say again I am from and still frequent the neighborhood that Clifford is from as my grandmother still lives in the same home of which of which I grew up in. I gave my opinion of Clifford’s situation based on my experience of growing up in that environment and because it is tough to overcome your circumstance no matter what it is, example: studies have shown that more times than not when a person is convicted of a sex crime, there is normally a history of sexual abuse where the now preditor was a victim of some level of sexual abuse .

With that in mind , I will not simply deduce TIP or anyone else to the dung of society or a “Thug” because they they made a bad decision because who hasn’t made a bad decision, unfortunately his actions currently and prior caused him to go to jail. That does not in my eyes make him a “Thug” it makes him human.

To Que you made a very clear point in your comment YOU chose to change, YOU chose to go to college and YOU chose to be better rather than worse, hats off to you sincerely. I my self choose the path of success rather than the one that was in front of me. But what percentage are we ( you and I) in our communities (SWATS) and (BANKHEAD) etc. Lets be real thats not the norm in those situations. So what possibly makes my statement ridiculous and whats the point in judging each other. We should all be praying for Clifford and if prayer is not your thing, then find some positive energy to send Clifford’s way because he is what we have all been, or will be ,a human being in need.

PEACE AND BLESSINGS

Kira

By BCR

October 17, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

I wonder how big those checks were that Papa Bush wrote to Yale and Harvard. You would think that he would sound more intelligent with that Ivy League education, or maybe that’s just me. Keep your head up Tip.

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

@ JP

I hear you, but I was only responding to Charles comments. I haven’t defended anyone on here. I just wanted to know what T.I. did for the community because I did not know.

There are many comments where people are trashing T.I. and defending T.I., while I am simply asking for all of us to think before acting. I am not better than anyone else becasue I have a criminal record as well. Although they are not felonies, they were still crimes and I slipped because I did not think.

Thanks for reading my comments.

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Hotlanta, I wonder how many govt. handouts Britney has applied for.At least Britney knows who the father of her children are. I can guarantee you that the Britney,Baldwin kids dont go to bed hungry or cold because mom and dad can’t afford the basics.Your lame attempt at comparison was typical and predictable.I stand by my solution to all that is wrong with society. If you’ll review my post you can see I said black and white. Nice try on the race card though.

By Tray

October 17, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

What i don’t understand is why he’d need a gun unless he was involved in something dirty. I have no guns. Plain and simple-i have no one I’ve p** off that wants to kill me either! And this ‘oh i need to defend myself crap,’ that’s all it is-CRAP!! You can defend yourself with one handgun just as well as if you had multiple automatic weapons. He knew he was breaking the law, he can go to jail to rot for all i care. All he did was take his little part in destroying the image of black people.

Bill Cosby was right, blacks are doing it to themselves. i will admit that there are whites out there that will do what they can to give blacks hell, but not near as many as blacks who are causing their own problems. All i can say to help remedy this for black people is to tell them to keep their kids dreams in check about becoming a ‘famous rapper’. Look at all the ones who have been busted for drugs, weapons, shooting people. I mean, come on, can the black parents in America not find better role models for their kids?? Why not a successful business man? I work with blacks here who have respect for themselves and others, and hold themselves to high standards. Yes, they had to work hard for it, but as a white male, i guarantee you I’ve had to work harder! If you don’t belive that, then that shows your ignorance.

The simple fact that I’m white puts me below everyone else. Example?? I couldn’t get a college scholarship because i wasn’t a MINORITY! The U.S. (if you haven’t noticed) caters to minorities now more than ever. A lot of different races, besides whites, have better chances to get into colleges. The problem is that the kids weren’t raised right, so they throw those chances away, just like Totally Ignorant, I mean TI, did!!

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

@ Sam

Brainwashed was a typo. Did you find any other errors?

I think my brainwashed comment is proven based on your response.

By Charles

October 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Deelin,

I don’t get involved with the business of white people; it’s an invitation for them to dominate our business. They have enough people and resources to attend to their own problems.

I don’t want white people too involved in the business of African Americans. If they are interested in recalling their selected integrationist Negroes from leadership positions through-out the African American community, I’m all for that.

Obviously you don’t understand the slave mentality and brainwashing of ninety-eight percent of African Americans. Most African Americans without exception need serious psychological attention; that can be provided by only Great black “master teachers”.

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Here is an idea for the black community; put as many young black men in college as there are in jail or the NBA!

By Nobody

October 17, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

To “P” Let me ask you this if we are not supposed to label a felon a felon what do we call a murderer or child rapist? Are they not felon’s because they were once a felon? Laws are laws we can’t change them when we want to. If you feel that he shouldn’t be convicted as a felon for selling crack or purchasing machine guns write your congress.

To the People who say he did a lot for the communitySo did Pablo Escobar, so did Sadam Hussein(for Sunnis), The Mob. Just because someone gives a way money doesn’t give them the right to get away with things you and I would get in trouble for. Once again double standards.

By bboy

October 17, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Why? No matter the blog it can never get past the race thing. Get over it, this man broke the law..

By Charles

October 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Obviously R Jones is not a great black master teacher. His comment speaks for itself.

Every African Americans in America can attain a PhD; there will be no change in our community or condition. You have a shallow understanding of our situation. As they say, it’s much deeper than that, education.

In a nut-shell, the problem is spiritual.

By BCR

October 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

R Jones, I have to find where I read this statistic, but if my memory serves me correctly, there now are actually more Black men in college than in jail, but thanks for the advise anyway. I know you only have the best interest in mind for the Black community.

By Deelin

October 17, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

@ Charles

You sound very different from your first comment. I guess I was thrown from when you started off with the phrase “you people”. When I hear that I usaully think that is a white person speaking. What you are saying comment wise is true. Just goes to show how things get out of proportion.

By EPG

October 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

All the things T.I. has allegedly done for the community is not enough. You dont justify the wrong you do, by donating a few dollars that you gonna use as a tax write off anyway, I’m not that naive.

By Pheezy D

October 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Look here folk…TI knew what he was doing. He thought that he had made it. Made it to the extent that he no longer was in the same realm as a “regular” Black man. Made it to the point that regular rules and laws don’t apply to him. Just like OUR BOI OJ. Sure both of them did and a lot for the community…and? We are talking about breaking laws. Knowingly breaking laws. He did not have to own the guns himself. He should have enough money to pay his bodyguards to walk around with the guns 24/7. He did’nt have to own them himself. Why are people turning this into a Black White issue? That’s CRAZY. Someone early talked about Brittany…is that a Black White issue? Heck NO! She’s rich and famous and has made a bunch of DUMB choices…the same as OUR BOI TI…and OJ.

By Breezmom

October 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Very well said, REDD (10:31 a.m.) People always has something to say until their shoe is fitted on their foot or the foot of their family or friend.

By P.

October 17, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

To NOBODY,its actually not the murderers,or rapists that I am refering to you have some crimes that people commit that gets them labeled as a felon that disqualify them for everything that society has to offer! Tell me who has never did anything wrong! Its the caught and the uncaught check out your public officals!

By Charles

October 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Deelin,

I am not an integrationist negro. When I say you people. I mean you people.

Recently a silly Negro woman called me to task. She said, what do you mean by “you women”. I politely said, “we women”…

Surprisingly, she allowed “we women” to stand. I am a man.

Every person isn’t politically correct nor desire to be.

By Nobody

October 17, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

in regards to Breezmom What the hell are you talking about. I’m 100% positive no one in my family was once a convicted crack dealer. I’m also 100% positive that no one in my family will be purchasing machine guns with silencers in a super market parking lot. Give me a friggin break. I just can’t get over how people can defend his actions. This is crazy!

By Truth

October 17, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Race, Race, Race, Race. It is always race. You all make me sick with that. Do me a favor and quit moving towards me and my family.

By msteven

October 17, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Oh people get off the pray crap! How many of you are praying for the homeless people, the homeless children, the children being molested, the women being raped, the folks who lost their homes because they had a job lost or house burn down. Making damn excuses for some one who dont give a crap about you or me. TI was a millionare, talented, young, about to be a force to be reckoned with as far as his acting. and all he can do is collect illegal guns(machine guns)so ok. he feared for his safety. So if someone decided to attack him regardles of where he is out, to include hundreds of innocent citizens around him, he planned to pull out a machine gun and spray taking no regard for others around him or whether his machine gun bullets hit god knows how many other people? and I should pray for him? Tell you what, pray for yourselves and I will pray for me. And why a “silent” weapon? sounds kind of shaddy to me. If he just needed it for protection who cares if it made noise? Hey live by the gun, you will either die by it or be locked up because of them. His woman pregnant and smoking weed and x. and if she is selling it why? isent her man a millionare? I dont get it. And besides damn, did he have to get such powerful weapons? was he gonna shoot dinosaurs or something like that? Was he planning on visiting Iraq? and helping out our troops. If you prayers want to pray. Pray that no more of our troops die, pray that no more of our young men and women die in auto wrecks, pray that our black men enroll in college instead of becoming just another inmate in an already overcrowded system. Better still, pray for yourself. TI does not need your prayers. He has a mouth. He knows where god can be found. Instead he chose to follow satan. He accepts an award, “I’d like to Thank God…” OK. I guess God wants you to stock pile dangerous weapons so if you get in a conflict you can not only kill your enemy but who ever else that dont have a damn thing to do with your conflict as well. Yeah, I am sure that really pleases God and hes gonna get you out of this mess..NOT. Do your time TI. come out and leave the hood mentality and guns alone. Your azz is 27 not 17! 10 or 12. You expect that kind of dumb shyt from kids. not a grown azzed man that already be locked up several times for crazy shyt. Grow the hell up! and quit with the excuses People!

By BCR

October 17, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Sorry Truth, but that’s not happening. You better take your * to the moon if you want to get away from us. Now that’s the TRUTH. As a matter of fact, where do you live, I might want to purchase some property out there and call up some people from Zone 4 to rent out the place to.

By blakgirk

October 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

So what he gives to the community. Hell, I know drug dealers who give XMas gifts and buy new sneakers for school kids. At the end of the day they are still drug dealers. If you look at history, most evil men are them most generous to the poor. It’s a way to soothe their conscience. That being said I know a lot of law of abiding black men who volunteer with inner city kids every day and they don’t rap about hoes and selling dope.

By Charles

October 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

I guess the blogger, truth, doesn’t see color. I asked a visitor what color is Jesus, the Christ. He said Jesus has no color.

I said, N**** Please.

By tina

October 17, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

I wish my brothers and sisters would wake up and smell the coffee. Why would a decent citizen want a silencer and unregistered guns? Even if the guns belonged to his guards if he was an upstanding guy he would ensure that they were not slinging illegal guns. And do not judge me, yes I am black. It is full time we stop and think about these things. Defending this type of behavior just makes all of “us” look like uneducated hoodlums. These are the type of guns that are killing your your sons or daughters, some of whom are innocent. He should be put away for 27 years. Only god knows how many crimes they committed before they were caught. It does not not matter what he did for the community if he has the audacity to buy guns to mow down a single person. Let us not allow this to go unpunished. You or I could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and could have lost or lives, become another statistic or unsolved crime thanks to his”no flash silencers”. SEND HIM T PRISON, AND DID I MENTION THAT I AM BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By mara

October 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Obviously, youe do care or you would not have cared to add your two cents. There are fans that care.

By mara

October 17, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Obviously, you do care or you would not have cared to add your two cents. There are fans that care.

By msteven

October 17, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Question, did TI pray for the folks who bought his crack and lives fell off? Did he go home and say a prayer? If he cared he would not have sold them something he knows will eventually be their demise. Yet we should pray for him and feel sorry. Yeah, whatever.

By Nobody

October 17, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

In Response to “P” The simple fact is that he dealt crack and was caught. He was labled a felon. That crack that he sold could have killed someone or ruined their lives we don’t know.

I don’t really see how that was held over his head and kept him from reeping the benefits of society. Yeah he got put on probation but he still made millions and millions of dollars and got to do things I can only dream of. All he had to do was stay clean and out of trouble. Instead he tries to buy * machine guns * with silencers. He tried to get his body guard to buy them. He knew what he was doing was wrong and illegal. Give me a break. As for my politicians if they are dumb enough to get caught they deserve to be a felon as well.

By blakgirl

October 17, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

Well said msteven!!! We as Blacks need to learn how to call out wrong and defend what is right.

By TruthHurts

October 17, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Black folks- please stop letting these thugs and the fools that always make excuses for them ruin your race. I dont think you realize how awful and stupid they make you look. No wonder people do not respect you.

By BIGSEXYCELESTEGUNNZ

October 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

MAN……… FREE TIP!!

By Charles

October 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

If Minister Louis Farrakhan and the hosts of these so-called black radio stations are in agreement on any issue, he needs to sit his funky behind down.

I am sure Minister Farrakhan and hosts of so-called black radio stations don’t see eye to eye on anything.

By Gareth

October 17, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Remember this comment

Live by the Sword - Die by the Sword Anyone that able to to read that !!! know’s whats up..

By Truth

October 17, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

BCR proved my point!

By Charles

October 17, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to sign off everybody. Duty is calling loudly. I loved talking you.

See you all tomorrow; God willing.

By Pan

October 17, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

T.I was wrong in what he did, well I should say not smart in how he handled his business. Everyone always bring race, role-model, thug, Bush into every situation. If we lived in a world that did right all the time then there would be no jobs for cops and ATF agents. TI defintely needs to get his business together for his family sake. You can never question the demintions on how God works. I think he was up to some wrong doing and God interfered because the devil can be so powerful. He needed to stop T.I somehow to make him sit back an think about his mistakes. I dont justifiy this behavior but stop having rap artist be consider role-models and the legacy for Black people. Be your own person raise your kids to see music as music its a entertainment but we emphazie so much on what they are saying and doing. Life goes on and teach your kids right from wrong and what a true role model. T.I is a thug that was the purpose of T.i Vs Tip. He has thug tendencies. When you come from that environment you are cultivated to carring that lifestyle with you forever. Whether its buying guns, smoking marj, selling drugs, cursing after each word, wearing your pants hanging, having your car rimmed out, loud music, all of the above. Its how you carry yourself and know when to be a thug because as black people we all have thug that comes out of us. Someone p** you off to the extreme that is the first thing that comes, I want to whip they ass. So stop with the o we need to stop be a thug. We need to start being better parents to stop this legacy of kids growing up to have a imagination and be more that rap artist.

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Yea BCR don’t forget the section 8 forms so Truth can subsidize your tenants rent.

By BCR

October 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Am I missing something or is my reading comprehension not where it used to be? Can someone point out to me where someone was defending TI’s actions? Making an excuse for his actions? The only reason that people even made comments about what he has done for the community is because someone posed that question. Now I saw people say pray for him, but that’s just what my people say, not a defense or excuse. Hell, he did the crime and he has to do the time. We just hate to see one of our people that seemingly had a bright future ahead of him, like Mike, throw it all away over stupid actions. All this do is fuel to the flame of the negative perceptions that ALL black people are lumped together in. The closest thing that I could see as being perceived as an excuse or defense in talking about his childhood environment and that was us trying to shed some light on why he would even put himself in this position, because right now, it is just baffling. That isn’t an excuse for what he did, just trying to get some understanding, but I don’t think there is anything to understand.

By AnonymousLady

October 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

There is no such thing as an unregistered gun in Georgia since Georgie state law does not require a gun to be registered.

By Randy

October 17, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

TI I’m down with you. Pay the Feds off and get back to work.

By Atlanta Pearl Girl

October 17, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I simply ‘hate it’ that Atlanta seems to be linked with all the ganster hip hop thug mentality.

I’m an Atlanta native and hate it that we’re becoming merged with all that goes along it seems with the Hip Hop industry. I enjoy the music at times (I do have teenagers) and like to work out to it.
What I DON”T like are the thugs like TI, A CONVICTED FELON and yes the man is buying machine guns with silencers….what’s he trying to do… scare of squirrels?

Atlanta Pearl Girl

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Excuse me Rusty. Tell Truth not to forget to get that Empowerment Zone money only white folks coming back to Atlanta seems to be the only ones to get so that they can get paid for living in a community. I need to know did scary eyes, size 34C cup wearing John Karr pay the taxpayers back for coming to America in first class eating shrimp cocktails for telling that lie that he killed Jon Benet Ramsey. Inquiring minds wanna know.

By Karen Cook

October 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

TI NEEDS SUPPORT NOW NOT HATING COMMENTS. YOU’LL BE SURPRISE HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE WEAPONS NOW DAYS. IT WAS REAL WHEN HE SAW HIS FRIEND GET KILLED IN FRONT OF HIM. I AM FROM OHIO AND I KNOW HOW THEY RIDE. HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN LIKE THAT. THE ONLY THING HE HAVE TO DO NOW IS WATCH HIS BACK AND DON’T TRUST NO ONE BUT GOD. I’M NOT INTO RAP MUSIC BUT I DO KNOW HOW MUCH TI GAVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND HE WAS REAL, DOWN-TO-EARTH. SHOW SOME SUPPORT FOR TI AND BE IN FRONT OF THE FEDERAL COURTHOUSE ON FRIDAY.

By BCR

October 17, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Truth, what exactly was your point? All I got out of your statement was a scared White person (I guess you’re White) that thinks all Black people are the same and if we move in your neighborhood, we will rob or kill you. So my sarcastic response proved what exactly?

By Truth

October 17, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

BCR, that was a well tought out statement and I commend you on it. Well Done!

Hotlanta, I don’t know how John Mark Carr got brought up, but I can tell you that I was not and will not support him at all. I don’t care that he is white. Right and wrong has no color. That man should be in jail. He is guilty of something bad for sure. And no, I would not be out in front of the court house supporting him. And if you wanna talk about tax money…. you should be more worried about what the democrats are doing with your tax dollars!

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hotlanta, you seem to be obsessed with celebrity wether it be famous or infamous. “What about Britney,what about cussin Baldwin,what about John Mark Karr”? Lady,turn off “ET” and Access Hollywood and pick up a newspaper and learn a little about whats going on in the REAL world.

By RC

October 17, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

You know it’s possible that TI was buying the guns to use them on the other talentless thugs at the awards show ~ Columbine style.

That would have been great!

By Truth

October 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

BCR, Hapeville use to be nice, College Park use to be nice, Forrest Park use to be nice, Riverdale use to be nice, heck…. even Fayetteville use to be nice. See a trend???

By Nobody

October 17, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

To HotAtlanta what the hell are you talking about? John Karr vs TI. Give me a break

To Karen Cook Be suprised about how many people own weapons. You’re in the south lady. Everyone has a gun. Only people up to no good have machine guns with silencers. He was worried about muzzle flash and sound. That’s going to protect him more than a registered 45? Oh wait he had 3 other guns in his car behind his seat. So six guns not including the ones at his house are meant for his protection? Some of those guns carry 30 rounds of amunition. Other than a soldier in Iraq why would you need that much. I have a 9mm Glock and it will work just fine for protecting myself. People like you give african american a bad rap because you sound ignorant and belive that all blacks are innocent and Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are looking out for your best interest. Go down to the courhouse on friday and support the felon. I’ll be working paying for your kids to go to school

By Doc

October 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

the law has become soft on criminals of high social stature. I think TI was the target of this whole thing. The FEDs will put TI away because its not a coincidence that they caught him the way that they did. TI will sacrafice his freedom for the goverment to make a point about the unbias of the system to social status! (i.e. Vick).

On the other hand Im from the hood/streets and just growing up with criminals and hustlas, I learned early on that when you overdue anything the consequences will not be good! TI over did his collection. He knew it was wrong and he kept pressing his luck. Getting off of this would damamge the CJ system. Maybe if it was one gun he could argue protection but why you need more than one in your car? Where are you going, Iraq? People need to understand that you hit a lick ( a big lick) and you move on! You cannot linger in illegal lifestyles and not get caught!

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Yes please find a statistic about black men in college. I’ll give you one. According to the Federal Prison website, 37% of the prison population is black. Now I will say it again, please put more young black men in college than in jail! Google it.

By A concerned parent

October 17, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I give great honor to god for sitting this young man down so he can see and realize his purpose as well as his contribution in and to life. This is an example of what is to come if we as people don’t make a change and stand up for our future children. thing will continue to be like this if we don’t make changes ASAP. I agree with one of the writers when she said that god put him away for a reason. Either it was for his life or for the life of another. My black brothers and sisters we have to come together as one. Jesus is coming and if things don’t change you need to ask yourself will i burn in the depths of hell are will i make it to the gate of heaven. God has a tendency of taking things away from people to show them who is boss. Pay attention. We all as people work hard to achieve the things we want and need and it seems like the more money we get the more we feel in power. Just know that in the blink of an eye it can all be taken away. Let stop bashing one another and us that energy to think about what we can do to say one another. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Excuse me Rusty you was the one who jumped from TI to Section 8 forms for rent. Don’t put it out there if you can’t deal with it. OKAY!!!!!! Yes I know a lot about what is going on because I READ a lot. Everything that I said to you is in the paper okay and plus I SEE it everyday. I don’t need to look at Access Hollywood, ET where all they talk about is Brad Pitts and Angelina adopting another child.

By TruthHurts

October 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Karen Cook- you are exactly what’s wrong with the Black race. You are a low standard-having skank. Always rushing to the defense of a thug. People like you probably support Brian Nichols as well. You are beyond comprehension.

By Devorah

October 17, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

What is really getting on my nerves are all the illiterates posting. “Whip they a$$”!?! Oh PLEASE! How ghetto is THAT?

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

You seem concerned that THE MAN is arresting drug dealers, thugs, and armed felons off the street. It seems that THE MAN is more concerned about black children than the black community is. You should THANK HIM!

By BCR

October 17, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Truth, I understand and understood what you said before. I guess you can say I have double standards because is sounds so much worse coming from any non-Black person. Hell, I know Black people who want to get away from those areas. The problem is that you said quit moving towards you and your family which sounded to me like you are talking about all Black people, which someone would take as being prejudice. I use the word prejudice instead of racist because I don’t know you, so all I know is that was a prejudgement of Black people. Another things is that I feel it has a lot more to do with socioeconomic (sp) class because I have been to some non-Black areas that look worse than any ghetto I have been through, and some very unsavory people. I have seen first hand what has happened in Clayton County because our family business has been in this area for over 20 years. My statement to you is there is only so far to run, so why not stand fight instead of flight?

By DOC

October 17, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

I was waiting on religion to come into this blog….Im a big fan of religion but I think that religion is what seperates black people and I also think that we depend on religion too much. For example..studies have shown that people put more money in church than into their homes (IRS, 2006)! We always talk about praying but we forget prayer don’t solve problems….you pray for HELP! HELP means that you too must work. Remember Jesus prayed and then he came off the mountain and worked miracles. I think some of us are just sitting on the mountain and praying! TI dont need prayer he need guidance! He dont need us to go down to the court house, he need us to take out resources and stop our younger children from following his steps, he dont need us to talk about him, he need us to talk about how to get more men to show young men what men are! TI growing up has a alot to do with his situation but instead of debating how to resolve his conflicts lets converse on how to stop my nephews, next door neighbors, and millions of youg men who are growing up in the same conditions to avoid prison, jail, and felonies. We sit around and we wait until someone big gets caught for a crime and then we want to discuss the shame! TI is not different from the other millions of felons in society who possess and been caught with firearms. Now how many young black brothers out here seeking single moms to help raise their lil boys the right way. Lets be real……. 87% of all black felons are raised by single moms. Not to say mothers are doing a bad job but reality is showing that women (in general) cannot teach a lil boys to be men. they are doing the best they can. But First I need us men to quit supporting stupidity and support our future!

By T.I. #1 Fan

October 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I feel that T.I. has been a good influence on the community thus far…but i feel as if that you can not change someone from what they know…if thats all that they know then thats all they are going to talk about.

By T.I. #1 Fan

October 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I feel that T.I. has been a good influence on the community thus far…but i feel as if that you can not change someone from what they know…if thats all that they know then thats all they are going to talk about.

By REDD

October 17, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

You see this is where problems of miscommunication begin.

I out right said that T.I. needs to face his punishment. I flat out said that he must be accountable. I have never defended his action(s). I will say that a person that chooses to use crack, or eXtacsy did just that, they made a choice.

I am defending the ignorance being exemplified here. Bill Campbell is in jail now, was he a thug? Is he being raped for bragging rights? I know what you are saying but, TIP will survive in jail before the ones so quick to use the ‘N’ word here would. As a matter of fact when and/if T.I. gets out, why not tell him face to face what is on your mind. You know where to find him now if you’d like.

Not everyone that grows up in a good area and stays a positive image in the community and vice versa the ones in bad areas are not always bad.

My dad was a product of his environment; I was headed down that road, until about 18. Despite my father telling me not to be like him, I wanted to do what I saw. I then woke up and got it together.

I am from the neighborhood, that you anti-rap people and N word calling people could never relate to or survive in or ever tread the grounds of, day or night. I have seen crack heads hunting the streets all hours of the night, scratching, feening for a hit. I once played with the children that did not drop out of school, they just stopped going. I have seen the gang rivalries, guys and girls get jumped in the doorway of their own homes. I have seen enough to know what life is like on both sides of the spectrum.

I thank GOD, that I am not one of the many that are still caught in that cycle and environment. I live in Buckhead and have a dual Master’s degree, and I still listen to hip hop. Again, am I a THUG? Remember I do own firearms (plural), but what ya didn’t know is that they came from my ex-husband, a former ATL RED DAWG.

Ya see the way I am explaining the issue is that my shoes only fit me and the same holds true for all.

So when I say the article and the blogs need to be read by the celebrities, because although they know it, they could read first hand how easy it is for people to make such negative and unnecessary comments.

Some may not envy T.I.’s situation, but many envy his financial comfort.

Here is a quick history lesson, Ray Charles was banned by the state of Georgia, he was no THUG, he used drugs, made music and was BEGGED TO COME BACK TO GEORGIA, after the state realized how ignorant they were for banning him in the first place. How many people praised him despite his bad decisions?

Let’s not be on a band wagon, STAND UP, STAND ALONE!

Ignorance= T.I.’s actions Ignorance= The comments made about T.I.’s actions

It is so sickening to hear a white person call a black person a thug because of ETHNOCENTRISM.

Since some of the ones here are so quick to judge, why not post the negative things that you have done? That way we can light the match and watch the balls of flame as you are engulfed in hells fiery. See that sound like a good idea, does it? You are no better than anyone. Even the tainted Catholic religion has to admit shame when they are put on trail for molesting children (boys mostly).

I made a statement note that he has done more than anyone on this blog (before the #85 was reached).

As for what has T.I. done for the community, he just met with Mayor Franklin about a gardening program, he is the man that put the concert together for the victims of Katrina at the Philips Arena, all ($263,000) proceeds went to the evacuees, he also filled 5 18 wheeler trucks with items to send to the victims, he donated personally $50,000 to the evacuees, he has stepped up and taken care of all of his children, he is always willing to come to events that benefit the less fortunate, especially in the low income neighborhoods. He works with troubled youth at the Paulding Detention Center, and provided scholarships for the Boys & Girls Club for single parent homes.

T.I. has joined forces again with the Make-A-Wish foundation to grant an Orlando teen’s wish. He joined labelmate/protege’ Young Dro on stage for a taping at The Showtime At The Apollo to meet 15 year old Sara Labare on October 15 at the Apollo Theatre. Labare, who suffers from an autoimmune disorder, received a digital camera,an autographed poster, CDs, and sat in the front row during T.I.’s performance. T.I. has granted a total of 3 wishes.

T.I. kept a fan smiling when he showed up at 11-year-old Ajmal Acklin’s, who suffers from acute lymblastic leukemia with Christmas gifts. Hot-107.9 announcer Griff asked the 11 year old does he like T.I. and Acklin responded “Yes” and his favorite song was “What You Know”. Griff told him that T.I. was here and the 11-year-old’s eyes lit up. T.I. walked in and said: “How you doing, I just wanted to come see how you’re doing … I heard the church bought you a PlayStation 3, so I got you some games”. One by one, each visitor offered their prayers and well wishes, ending with A-Team intern Ree Williams doing a stirring a capella version of the gospel tune “Even Me”. Before she hit the last note Ajmal’s mom ducked into the kitchen, tears in her eyes.

T.I.’s King Foundation is also scheduled to donate 10,000 bikes to the Boys & Girls Club in New Orleans.

T.I.’s night club, Club Crucial, where he and V-103 announcer Greg Street will give away 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in the Boys & Girls Club.

That is what we (hip hop listeners) call giving back to the community. On top of all of that, he still lives in College Park. Are there anymore questions?

By BLACK MAN

October 17, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

To all the people who say that the black community condones these types of acts……you are seriously mistaken. I think and feel that I and the black community are feed up with the thug mentality from entertainers, and more importantly from our kids who try to copy this stupidity. TI and the like deserve whatever the law has in store for them. I just wish that the non-black communities STOP grouping the entire U.S. black population into one negative category. We are much more then that.

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

You can spend your time attacking me for bringing facts into the conversation, or you can actually do something constructive. Don’t make it a black or white issue, make it a CHILD issue! Don’t use the race card with your child’s future.

By Truth

October 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

BCR, I can agree. The problem is that if you try to fight it then you are a racist. There are plenty of white trash in those areas as well. I just want my family to be as safe as possible and if you look at the leaders in those areas you can see that those people always scream race. They never actually do anything to make their community better. I am glad that we can see eye to eye on this. It is a start!

By Sonja

October 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Hmm to is it reason enough. I do not feel that TI made a thought out decision to first mix business with whatever buying guns is called. However I am a fan and a consumer who purchased TI vs TIP and I truly have become a TI supporter.

I know that we all heard about his friend being killed and also we can’t forgot that we are under siege in every major city by gangs and band of children who have been kicking in doors and robbing people.

It is our right to bear arms legally and that is the point here, TI lost the right to have guns and he stepped into something that he will have to walk out.

I love his gift to hip hop and I send my sincerest FREE TI

One love, Sonja of College Park

By R.G.

October 17, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

I try not to draw conclusions on matters with legal ramifications. The whole situation with the “Set Up” with the newly hired bodyguard concerns me. Let’s face the facts people; it is illegal to posess a weapon with a felony conviction. Do I believe that there should be such a law ? to a certain extent. It’s really hard for a convicted felon to make ends meet with out being a business man. I commend T.I. for all the money he has been able to make with all of the obstacles that come along with being a felon. I am not trying to promote crime or make his actions seem less affective. I am certain that it has it’s effects. What doesn’t. This to me is and age old debate on the right to bear arms. Should the rules be changed for a convicted felon whom occupation affords him negativity from people who do not even know him. Take for instance his best friend being murdered while traveling in a van. T.I. in my opinion would be some one who would need to have the right to bear arms, because in essence; due to his occupation he is always in harms way. Is this unwarranted attention? self provoked ?. We can argue that fact all day but I can beat you Quentin Tarantino or any other person outside of the hip hop culture who’s art has violence or death or some negative connotation to it, is not up for debate as being a reason for certain behavior and/or the debate of it being self provoked. The war to me seems to be with hip hop. This will be a lengthy war, and a scary one. Because it seems to me that everyone has an opinion about the affects of hip hop but know one has an opinion about other negative influences that have equal or marginal appeal. These brothers are making a lot of money in Hip Hop. Hip Hop has crossed over to other worlds and even their people are affected by it. I wish T.I. the best of luck with his legal troubles and I choose to believe that there is more to this story then what is reported. Has there come a time when America’s freedom is questioned. Or have Americans questioned their freedoms.

By Hotlanta

October 17, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

DOC I disagree with you on one of your points. I am from a single parent household where my father left my mother with 8 kids to raise on her own. My brother made one of the best comments anyone could say. He said because my father was not at home is no excuse for him not being a man. Stop blaming single mothers for everything when our kids know right from wrong. A lot of those kids come from 2 parent households. I remember when those fools went shooting at that graduation party in Henry County. His FATHER and MOTHER was on television saying how sorry they were it had happened. Single motherhood would not be a problem with the men would man up to their responsibilities. We don’t get these babies my ourselves. Stop blaming the females for men problems.

By msteven

October 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Blakgirl I LOVE my PEOPLE.I dont wish to be any other race. But by George(old old school slang!) I will not, I repeat I WILL NOT make excuses for Us when clearly we are in the wrong! So if I lose my Black Card because I wont make excuses for folks making money I will NEVER see in my life time. so be it. I am sick and tired of being embarrassed by folks claiming the whites are out to get us and blah blah blah(sort of like how the adults talk in Charlie Brown) Everyone is to blame but the individual. “Hes a victim of his surroundings..its his culture..someone snitched! they picking on him because hes a black man with money..” and etc etc. well Denzel Washington, bill cosby, tiger woods, and countless others black men are millionares, young, came from poor backgrounds yet, they are dont have the same complaint saying the white man is trying to get them. I doubt if they will kick in Denzel, Will Smith, Bill Cosby, Tiger Woods front doors looking for guns and drugs. somehow I just dont see it. and if they do, who is to blame? TI is a hood rat,(was a wealthy one, but still a hood rat.) he made it out of the hood but the hood never made it out of him. Mike Vick, hood rat. if he wasent a hoodrat he would have owned up to his owner whom he claimed(after being caught)”he sincerely loved.” Yeah, If I sincerely love you I will not spend your money and bare face lie to you for years on end. not cool. down with the boys? Did those same boys give you your talent? did they give you a multi million dollar contract? take you in as one of their children?Yet some of you blame Arthur Blank for something Mike did in his spare time? excuse the man of putting to much faith in him. Clearly you and Vick are smoking from the same glass crack pipe! Vick was wrong. period. TI. was wrong. period. Stop blaming folks for your short comings. Quit pulling the damn race card, the account is in a minus zero status! Kind of like a visa card, you have reached your limit, no more purchases can be honored! Now get the hell out of the store! The black card, get out of prison free because I am a black man with money is in default. The account has been turned over to a collection agency.

By R.G.

October 17, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I try not to draw conclusions on matters with legal ramifications. The whole situation with the “Set Up” with the newly hired bodyguard concerns me. Let’s face the facts people; it is illegal to posess a weapon with a felony conviction. Do I believe that there should be such a law ? to a certain extent. It’s really hard for a convicted felon to make ends meet with out being a business man. I commend T.I. for all the money he has been able to make with all of the obstacles that come along with being a felon. I am not trying to promote crime or make his actions seem less affective. I am certain that it has it’s effects. What doesn’t. This to me is and age old debate on the right to bear arms. Should the rules be changed for a convicted felon whom occupation affords him negativity from people who do not even know him. Take for instance his best friend being murdered while traveling in a van. T.I. in my opinion would be some one who would need to have the right to bear arms, because in essence; due to his occupation he is always in harms way. Is this unwarranted attention? self provoked ?. We can argue that fact all day but I can beat you Quentin Tarantino or any other person outside of the hip hop culture who’s art has violence or death or some negative connotation to it, is not up for debate as being a reason for certain behavior and/or the debate of it being self provoked. The war to me seems to be with hip hop. This will be a lengthy war, and a scary one. Because it seems to me that everyone has an opinion about the affects of hip hop but know one has an opinion about other negative influences that have equal or marginal appeal. These brothers are making a lot of money in Hip Hop. Hip Hop has crossed over to other worlds and even their people are affected by it. I wish T.I. the best of luck with his legal troubles and I choose to believe that there is more to this story then what is reported. Has there come a time when America’s freedom is questioned. Or have Americans questioned their freedoms.

By nobody

October 17, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

To Sonja He had 3 guns in his car and was buying 3 machine guns with Silencers. WHAT IN THE HELL do you need all that for one person? That’s more firepower than a cop or soldier carry. Keep leaving retarded comments like the ones above and no one will ever take you serious.

By steve-o

October 17, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time that some of us in the black community need to stop rewarding idiocy. The evidence so far is showing him for being guilty, so now the question is why in the hell would he risk a multimillion dollar career for illegal weapons? Why jeopardize your probation and go back to prison? I understand that people mess up and deserve a chance for redemption, but if you keep fouling up and making stupid decisions, then sorry, I ain’t gonna worry about it.

Same with Vick. If you’re going to be a friggin jackass and jeopardize a NINE FIGURE SALARY by owning an illegal dogfighting business, then I have no sympathy. Utter and sheer stupidity. Don’t get me wrong, I hope brothers like Vick and TI get back on track and overcome adversity, but that’s as far as it goes for me.

Besides, forget TI. We still have young black men sitting in jail on trumped up charges who can’t even afford adequate defense and have the state authorities stacked up against them like Genarlow Wilson. Let’s not forget those brothers.

As for some of our celebrities that do stupid stuff, if you can’t make smarter decisions like the big boys, then you don’t deserve a lifestyle as one of the big boys.

By Sonja

October 17, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

We are talking about TI not me…Atown down keep your head up nobody.

By A concerned parent

October 17, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Thank you Redd for letting all these people who like to judge and comment on what he did or did not do. NOW YOU KNOW AND KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE. Everybody make mistakes and everybody that get caught has to deal with the consequences. This is a talented young man that has given and received and his day of judgment can only be given by god. Yes everybody has a right to an opinion but your tongue is the most powerful weapon of all so be careful what you say before its said. God don’t like ugly and he’s not that fond of pretty.

By shane

October 17, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

from EPG from the top of the comments…

As much as I hate to see fellow black man incarcerated, I think T.I.’s incarceration will serve a purpose and send a message to the many kids that follow his music. That message is much needed.

Too right man, but do you really think that any of those kids you’re talking about are gonna look at this from the perspective that TI deserves to be incarcerated? I think that the more likely response will be more fear and hatred aimed at cops, The Man (whoever the heck that guy is), and subconsciously themselves (the kids I mean).

And, it seems kinda sad to me that you even care that he’s black. I certainly don’t care if some white guy or hispanic guy is getting arrested (and I’m both) because he’s white or hispanic. black folks are so ridiculous with their “black makes right” attitude - it’s just as archaic as white racists, yet so incredibly prevalent and completely accepted, especially down here in the dirty dirty. I understand the uniqueness of blacks shared history of oppression, ostracization, and outright genocide in America, but it’s never gonna get any better for yall until you try to be color-blind for a bit and just look at people as people. and for god’s sake, stop ruining your cred by defending people like OJ and Vick. those dudes are scum and everyone knows it. you know it while you’re defending him. it makes you look like an ignorant prick.

By BCR

October 17, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Okay R Jones, I can admit when I made an error. The study was on college age(18-24) Black males. So for that demograhpic there are 469,000 in college and 114,400 in the prison system. Truth, I can understand that. When I said fight, I just meant don’t move, but when you have family involved and you feel threatened, I would do the same thing for peace of mind, just don’t think that all Black people are a threat to you and your family.

By Truth

October 17, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

… T.I. Joe!!!!!

By R Jones

October 17, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Okay BCR, it does not matter who is right with statistics. The concern here is children and we can both work together towards that goal.

By Truth

October 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

BCR, Oh, by no means do I. I know many black people that are great people. But, I have also seen black people in Fayetteville that wear a shirt that says “We already took over Riverdale… Your town is next.” What am I supose to think then?

By That's Right!!

October 17, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’m listening to T.I. now and wish like hell I could see MV7 play some football.

By shane

October 17, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

And since when did black folks adopt yet another word as one that only they could use? “Thug” doesn’t have anything to do with race, wtf?

At the rate this is going, white folks better start grabbing words with both hands and claiming them as their own. soon enough we won’t be able to say anything without offending black people. damn. oops, oh, hold on, is “damn” now exclusively black as well. golly. there we go, black folks’ll never take that one. golly-jeepers.

By timmy

October 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

HOTLANTA - your grammar is horrid!!! you need an education badly!!!!

By BCR

October 17, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

You’re right R Jones, it takes a community to raise a child. Truth, I haven’t seen that shirt, but it is down right ignorant.

By Souljah

October 17, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

SHUT UP HATERS I’m so sick of you all. We grew up looking at gun toating Transformers, violent Mutant Ninja Turtles and and Government Approved Grand Theft Auto. It’s okay when it’s on TV or a video game that makes YOU money. But bring it to life and it’s a crime. Well it’s your fault we think like this. You took all the programs like Good Times and That’s my Mamma off and gave us violence in it’s place. You all are crazy as Hell. WHen you go to the movies, all you see is guns and violence, when you look at the news, all you see is guns, violence and war. Did you really expect for us to turn out Normal.. Come on Now..

By AD

October 17, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

What an idiot… BUT WAIT!!! I’m sure that somehow the “White Man” is responsible. What a great role model: * no education * can’t speak proper English * wears sunglasses at inside and at night * no respect for family values * tripping over your shirt and pants is stylish

It’s a real friggin shock that any group that admires these traits turns out to be: 1) Poor 2) Having kids you can’t take care of 3) Not married 4) Criminals 5) In jail 6) Blaming “Society” for their everything listed above.

What a joke…

By blakgirl

October 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

To REDD and A concerned parent, your kind of thinking is why so many young black men know nothing about personal responsibility. A mistake and a crime are two different things. A mistake is forgetting to put the top back on the maynoise. A crime is willfully violated the law. When you do something on purpose it is not a mistake

By steve-o

October 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Shane,

You just bent and twisted the words of one of the more reasonable posts on here (BCR’s post) and made him seem like he was being biased when he said completely opposite. Why can’t he, or any other black person for that matter, be upset that another black person is going to jail? He isn’t blaming anyone but TI himself.

Then in your next post, you get whiny about blacks “stealing words”. Did you come here to talk about the TI situation or just to b itch about black people?

By timmy

October 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

hahahaha….now they are blaming ninja turtles and transformers for their criminal activities!! what a wonderful culture you guys have!!

By Rusty

October 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hotlanta,I’m not picking on you but 8 KIDS??!! OMG. All by the same father of course. I can’t imagine the cost to the taxpayers.I’m sure mom didn’t pay for all this without some help C’mon mom, how bout a nickles worth of personal responsibility. This scenario is disgraceful and is EXACTLY whats wrong with our society today.

By AD

October 17, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Souljah….you’re an idiot.

Methods of entertainment have been around for century’s, including books with violence such as Shakespeare’s Macbeth. That doesn’t mean you go act it out. That is unless you have no education, family values or self worth.

By Come On People

October 17, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses… TI has done a lot for HIS hood, but has corrupted thousands of other hoods and young minds with his music. A lot of catholic priests did good for the congregations, yet molested kids in the process. Let’s come up with more mature arguments all you TI fans, he’s helping his hood out but he creates theme music for the other hundreds of thousands self destructive thuggish goons….

By rtn

October 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Certainly people are the products of their environment. That does give anyone a free pass, exempting them being held responsible for their actions.

If you are man enough to own machine guns, you have to be man enough to admit your mistakes and face the consequences.

Yes, TI has done a lot for the community. Hopefully, he will use this experience to give even more back and open his eyes to the reality of (willingly or unwillingly) being a role model to many by taking an interest in providing youths with alternatives to violence and sharing with them the pain of losing friends/family….We need to battle the romanticized notion of violence often portrayed in popular media….

By Pixie

October 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

TI was wrong. This has nothing to do with being black,poor or actually hip hop. It has everything to do making dumb decisions. Please stop dumping this in the laps of everybody except for TI. There have been plenty of people that have come out of poverty and violent communities that have turned out fine, so please save all crap.

By Pixie

October 17, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Truth Hurts does not phased me with the generalization that somehow a subculture makes an entire race look bad. That’s like saying that all the child molestors, serial killers and racists of his/her race makes them look bad. Let stupid stay stupid. As someone mentioned I am tired of trying to explain to “those people” that we are all not the same. If they chose to believe so then that’s their problem.

By Bandit

October 17, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Ok, I’ve read through most of these comments and while I do agree with some, especially the ones concerning the lack of personal responsibility that our so called Black Role Models like T.I. and Mike Vick seem not to have. Point number one—convicted felons can never possess a firearm and it is illegal for any person to receive or possess and unregistered firearm (Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g) and Title 26, United States Code, Section 5861(d)). Point number two—T.I.’s guilt will be determined in a court of law, so we should refrain from trying him in the court of public opinion as we did with Mike Vick. The one question that hasn’t been asked is—With all of his financial resources ($12,000 to allegedly purchase machine guns and silencers) why didn’t he just hire a professional corporate security firm with former Secret Service Agents or Ex-Navy SEALS for protection. Hell, Blackwater Security will be looking for new clients in the coming months when the State Department doesn’t renew their contract in Iraq, so what about them?

The same people who never thought that Mike Vick could be guilty of dog fighting are now convinced that T.I. must have been set up in a gun buying sting operation put on by the ATF the weekend of the BET Awards! Can someone say conspiracy! Maybe T.I. is not a THUG, maybe his is just stupid! Maybe he just wants to be like Mike! Another Blackman who has gone from Sugar to Sh%t in no time at all because he refused to rise above the criminal elements from his boyhood!

By Archie Bunker

October 17, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I wish all of you coloreds would stay below I-20….where you belong.

By james

October 18, 2007 4:59 AM | Link to this

You people have basically ruined Atlanta. No more buckhead, sheriff kills other sheriff, no more gold club, sorry basketball and football teams, no more T.I, mayor in prison, no more freaknik. Atlanta used to be Fun. This city will never be the same all because you people that live their been watching to much menace to society and colors. Quit watching movies thinking its real. Hollywood has really screwed up the minds of you southerners

By chris

October 18, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

for any body that didn’t know that T.I wasn’t the one who bought the guns, he was at a another place. His employee was the one that bought the weapons, and just because you own a weapon or weapons doesn’t mean your going to use. If your going to blame anybody for childrens’ deaths blame the parents’who have kids,not the hip hop artist,”and hip hop is art”. Just the same as works done by davinci, stay up T.I,and don’t listen to the idoits’, I’m in college and his still my favorite “rap artist”.

By REDD

October 18, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Okay, let’s just blame all the crime it Atlanta on T.I. and US people. Does that make the ignorant and close minded people feel better? I mean there are so many people, unfortunatley in the spotlight, that we want to call names and bash, but I mean how concerned are you really? As a matter of fact how connected are you to the real the world as a whole?
AGAIN…. T.I. IF SHOULD SERVE HIS TIME WITHOUT ANY EXCEPTION DUE TO HIS STATUS! Those reading my blogs need to read it in totality. Not just picking a piece and running. I am not defending his act at all, I am making factual statements to give the closed minded and sheltered individuals a broad perspective of life, from the trenches to the court benches. I will nit revael my employer, but I will let you know that I will be at the court on Friday,not by choice, and I am telling you the arguments that will be presented. T.I.’s main concern needs to be the fact that he was the only person with access to the safe in his home, where his body guards also resided. As for all of the other information I have provided, trust and believe that it all comes in to play in court, not the race card that many of the sick people want to yell out. I am so gld you all were not around to support slavery, we’d still be calling you ‘masta’, because you really feel you are better and that is the sad part. As for religion, believe in and fear GOD! I see the world for what it is teo choices right or wrong. So the ones that understand me, great, the ones that don’t, I’ll pray that you can see the reality of the situation. Again, any person should be held accountable for thier crimes! So please stop telling me what my thoughts are implying, instead read it the way it is written. I just made points that indicate he is not perfect but he again does positive things as well.

By marquel

October 18, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

To be honest i think we thought of him in high regards. But T.I. has never change. He is a hustler. Not a thug. Most of the weapons was found at his house. The man just wittness his best friend die less than a year ago. I think he feels he needed to be safe. Only he knows the answer. He was a fool for trusted a new person that he really doesnt know. to me it sounds like he had most of these guns already. I think people put to much faith in him to be something that he is not a savoir for the black community. We need to stop looking at these entertainers and athletes as heroes or role models. And look at the everyday workers such as police officers and educators who are trying make a difference as the heroes.

By ReadMeEntirely

October 19, 2007 5:55 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived in Atlanta for 13 years now. I’ve been a fan of TI since I’m Serious- his 1st album (Arista Records) before he was dropped and began anew on Atlantic with Trap Muzik, Urban Legend, King, and TI vs TIP. On my 23rd birthday this year, I flew to Chicago JUST TO SEE a free TI & Friends concert so it’s safe to say I am a fan. I was at work Saturday afternoon when one of my employees told me something happened to TIP and they’d be discussing it on the radio. I turned to 107.9 and the Durrty Boyz reported as much as they knew. One of them even said “a real murderer probably passed by the scene saying ‘Whew, glad it’s not me’” and they’re probably right…

I was truly upset to find out what had happened, especially since I had witnessed on Thursday night at the Velvet Room the love shared (whether for publicity or not) b/w TIP and Luda (whom you may know have been beefing for a GOOD minute) at the Welcome to Atlanta party.

It was natural for me to hop on the “FREE TI” bandwagon, not to say that I’ve fallen off of it, but as more and more facts come into play, there are things about the story that don’t add up to me & pieces are definitely missing.

In my opinion he was set up (obviously, ATF setup a sting operation). But for as intelligent as this man is, I just don’t want to believe he was that stupid. This is where I agree with people that say “God removed him from a situation to come” because the way he expressed his opinion @ Velvet Room that night led me to believe he feared for his life (esp after hearing details of why he was arrested).

But here’s where I’m confused: The so-called bodyguard has been there since July 2007 but has been purchasing guns for TIP for a year & a 1/2. Did he just start as a bodyguard or has he been there all along & was “promoted” or something? The guns he was requesting weren’t illegal, he was trying to obtain them illegally- by not registering them which is why he was arrested. But the FEDs must’ve been pushing him TO THE MAX b/c according to the affidavit became a “cooperating witness” (CW aka he sang like a canary), putting TIP and 2 other assoc. on the line- causing TIPs arrest to go down #1 so quickly, #2 on such a convenient wknd. Now to me a witness is someone seeing or hearing through personal perception. An informant is one who does exactly that-informs but since informant carries such a negative connotation, witness is now used- either way, you’re telling on somebody…

(P.S. I think it’s cool Frank Ski (V103) attempted to bail him out at least to go to the awards but you know they weren’t hearing that!)

Another question- why or how for that matter JUST 18 or so minutes after the arrest were they BUSTING through the doors and breaking windows to his home?? You already have TIP, Tiny, AND 2 of his partners (Dro and Mac Boney). Either that search warrant was ready and they were just waiting on the “We got him” moment or something else I just can’t explain. His 3-yr-old son is suffering from the effects of the tear gas they threw in the window and who knows the injuries sustained by his 15-yr-old nephew who was thrown to the ground by ATF b/c he went to investigate the commotion. Yeah, right, they knocked on the door 1st to hand a warrant to someone…..

Everyone is also criticizing Tiny b/c she’s apparently pregnant and was charged w/ 2 possessions- y’all know she’s been ride or die for this man, ALWAYS by his side so if you can add 2+2, you know where I’m going. Talk about a grand hustle. Tiny has kept one of the most talented, attractive artists on her arm for so long and he in turn loves her so this is really unfortunate.

I think TIP is having his “DUH” moment now- if he hasn’t already. According to the affidavit, he wanted the guns delivered to the studio but the “CW” asked to meet elsewhere which should’ve set off RED flags but here again, maybe God’s plan to save another person’s life. ‘Cause with silencers, the plan more than likely to pop and keep it movin’. So lives definitely were spared (innocent and intended) and what he’s potentially facing is WAY less severe…but this is all a matter of MY opinion…

People are obviously going to refer to his prior convictions and content of his music but no one wants to refer to community service he’s done- even times where he DOESN’T want people to know he’s involved so he doesn’t get credit.

(Some) people can’t separate the people and reality from their art/craft. So whether is parents, teachers, community leaders, etc. we have to help children learn to discern the difference. Rappers don’t ask to be role models (Rich Boy’s second track on the album “Role Models” tells it) They’re thrust into spotlight but kids have to be told you can’t always imitate and emulate. “Don’t aspire to be like (insert famous person here), but aspire to be better.” We ALL have our sides and conduct ourselves accordingly- T.I. vs T.I.P. (Eminem-Slim Shady-Marshall Mathers or any other artist who’s explored self-conflict for that matter) is not out of the ordinary- bi, tri, and quad polar even. Pick TI apart: There is Clifford Harris the father, brother, son, artist, businessman, etc. So the Clifford Harris that conducts business in the offices of Atlantic or Grand Hustle is not the same Clifford Harris that goes home to Tiny & his children….

Hip-Hop Police, in my eyes, are out there. Chamillionaire has a whole song dedicated to them, Luda in one of his songs says “we [rappers] got a special task force of police on our a**” How many times has anybody said they’re under suspicion of the FEDs-I mean DJ Drama did the “FEDs Takin’ Pictures” which includes 2/3 of the “Untouchables”- TIP & Jeezy (3rd being Lil Wayne)-which opens a whole new convo- in light of TIP & Wayne’s arrests in the same week, Jeezy needs to lay low ‘cause by theory he’s next on the list… it’s even been said here recently that they’ve offered TIP leniency in xc for 411 about “another Atlanta rapper”…. So hopefully everybody will chill out and think twice….

Then, they’re saying the “CW” will also serve time but anyone who knows about “snitching” knows that the point of doing so is to #1 not go down alone, #2 get your time lessened- and we’re talking some serious time people. But who knows….

In my “perfect world” this wouldn’t have happened, or TIP would’ve been free already or what have you. Have I accepted the fact that he could be doing some time? Although I don’t want to, I can’t shake that fact staring me right in the face. All I can do is pray for him, his family (both blood relatives and Grand Hustle fam), and legal team and hope for the best. I’ll even pray for the safety of this “CW” ‘cause his name is OBVIOUSLY NOT being release for a reason but guarantee ppl know who he is and staying in Atlanta isn’t going to be a good look.

I still have FREE TI on my cell phone, myspace, facebook, what have you. I’ve been riding loud and clear with my mp3 player on random full of TI (but that’s not out of the ordinary for me) and look forward to more music from TI, PSC, and Grand Hustle period.

I’ll close with something from TIP: “If you don’t respect nothin’ else, you WILL respect this hustle, and that’s GRAND!”

FREE T.I., King of the South

By Archie Bunker

October 19, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

ReadMeEntirely- Your comments have been duly noted and flushed down my toilet where they clearly belong. Obviously you are beyond ignorant and clearly nothing more than trash with extremely low self-esteem. Please save your thug ramblings for the crackheads that you hang on the corner with.

By Doucheatron5000

October 19, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Poor TI, another simian locked up.

I blame Haliburton, Dick Cheney, and of course…..the vast Rightwing Conspiracy.

By gmoney

October 19, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

YEA MY MANS RITE UP THERE YOU CAN TAKE T.I. OUTTA DA GHETTO BUT YOU WILL NEVER TAKE DA GHETTO OUTTA MY N** T.I. I DO HOWEVER THINK THAT HE SHOULD LEARN A LESSON FROM ALL THIS BECAUSE I WANNA SEE MORE ALBUMS LIKE T.I.VS.T.I.P HE IS ONE OF THE BEST GANGSTA RAPPERS ALIVE BECAUSE HE STAYS TRUE TO HIS ROOTS THATS WHAT I LIKE THATS WAHT I THINK MAKES THE BEST ALBUM SO UNTILL YOU GET OUT STAY UP MY N** DO YA TIME DONT LET YA TIME DO YOU

By Minister Farrakkkhan

October 20, 2007 5:32 AM | Link to this

Let me tell you, my Brothers and Sisters….TI represents all that is unholy with the White Devil.

He willingly jumped into bed with the White Devil to receive the so-called blessings of the White Devil’s world…money, cars, big houses, drugs, greed, white women with their large, supple round breasts…skin so soft you could melt into the folds…Lawdy!!

Anyway….TI is just where God wants him…in prison…where he will receive the true word of God from his locked down brothers. The Koran is alive and well in prison and TI will be indoctrinated into the ways of Allah.

TI, if you can read this Brother…stay strong, stay powerful…stay BLACK!

And watch your cornhole!! Allah permits man love, take advantage of it, I know I did when I was locked down by the White Devils….repeatedly….Lawdy!!!

By chilly

October 22, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

just let t.i be judged by the system. he just don’t get it, maybe behind bars is where he belong!!I would be mad as he** if one of my children caught one of his stray bullets!! don’t bend over.

By Naydeanb

October 22, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

In regard to both T.I. and Mike Vick I think people are under the impression that African Americans condone such actions however thats far from the truth. The question that need to be answered is why is society so eager to send them to prison when the Scooter Libby’s of the world get away although he was convicted by a jury. His prison term was commuted by our President. The problem with America the justice system is unfair and we are always first in line to point fingers at others. If we are all created equally then we all should be treated equally not unequally based on the color of our skin. Neither T.I or Mike Vick actions were responsible but by the same token why is prison the answer.

By Verkaa

October 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Yes, T.I. made a mistake of not covering all the corners, he messed up. But we’re talking about justice here. He has done so many good things for the community, and if the things that he’s still doing with the community were to stop, it would affect alot of people, not just T.I. in a bad way. We need to forgive him, he truly is a good soul. He needs a second chance! Think about it!

By DCdanger

October 23, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Did T.I. need guns when he was around Denzel and Russell? Did he need guns when he was smiling and laughing around Dale Earnhardt? The answer is NO. But as soon as he had to be around HIS/OUR people NOW he needs heavy artillery. Insane.

By sick and tired

October 23, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Do you people believe that just because someone gives to the community that he is exempt from being punished by the Law? So, “he gave back to the community”. He’s still a criminal in the eyes of the Law!!! I don’t care who you are!

By sick and tired

October 23, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Do you people believe that just because someone gives to the community that he is exempt from being punished by the Law? So, “he gave back to the community”. He’s still a criminal in the eyes of the Law!!! I don’t care who you are!

By who cares

October 23, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

If Charles manson gave back to the community-would you allow him to be free? You idiots need to wake up. A criminal belongs behind bars-just like this Brian Nichols clown, but of course, the left winged nut case of a lawyer has to bleed the funds dry and claim he needs more money fo rexperts. Expert in what, stupidity? The guy killed 4 people including the Judge-SHOOT HIM! don’t waste our money on him-have the Bailiff SHOOT HIM! then give teh bailiff 2 yrs probation to satisfy the entitlement protest marchers-but make sure that the bailiff is black so jackson and sharpton don’t have anything to complain about.

By sick and tired

October 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

“Good Souls” don’t feel the need to buy uzi’s.

By sick and tired

October 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

“Good Souls” don’t feel the need to buy uzi’s.

By Verkaa

October 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

You cant compare T.I. to the criminals that actually commited horrible crimes, all he did was buy guns, which by the way is your legal right. Its not a crime to buy guns. Is there a motive for what he might be using the guns for, yes…it’s for protection. Its not like he’s buying the guns to do drive by shootings, and things of that nature. His intentions were to protect himself and his family. Last time I checked, that’s not a crime. The only thing that is messed up is that he’s a felon….but that was many years ago…he has done so much good with his life, and has done good for others. He deserves a second change, and God sees that and will give it to him. Don’t put T.I in the same category as other criminals, he’s far from one. He has redemeed himself.

By A T.I. Fan

October 24, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

If someone does a crime in the past and they changes their life around then that shouldn’t interfere with them if they do something else that i know many people have done in their lifetime!!!! I really don’t think they should hold T.I. that long just for that. It’s just crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Somebody

October 24, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

To the nobody that posted a comment, U need to stop haitin on T.I and Sonja. There’s no problem with what T.I. has done. He wasnt tryin to hurt anybody.. How do you know he had beef with only one person. What would you do if you had to protect yourself.. Think about that!! and stop haitin while u at it!

By sick and tired

October 24, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

There are other ways of “protecting” yourself than buying machine guns (and not just one). Do you buy machine guns to protect yourself? And buying guns is a crime if you’re a felon. And once a felon…. Doesn’t matter how many years ago it was - the law doesn’t work that way, and I”m sure TI was well aware of that.

By sick and tired

October 24, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

There are other ways of “protecting” yourself than buying machine guns (and not just one). Do you buy machine guns to protect yourself? And buying guns is a crime if you’re a felon. And once a felon…. Doesn’t matter how many years ago it was - the law doesn’t work that way, and I”m sure TI was well aware of that.

By Verkaa

October 25, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Real criminals dont buy guns from gun stores, they buy them from the streets so they cant be traced back to the buyer. Therefore we know that the intentions were not criminal. Also, T.I. was not the one who purchased the guns, it was his bodyguard. Keep in mind also, T.I. is more than just one person, T.I. repesents a whole lot of different people. All T.I. did was finance the gun purchase, he wasnt gonna use them, the people that are around him, that protect him, are the ones who needed the guns. Extreme times call for extreme measures. We cant judge T.I., we dont know what’s going on with him, and the people around him, either bad or good. All we know is that he has done more good than bad.

By renee

October 31, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Although I am against owning such weapons, T. I probably has reason to fear for his life. Wasn’t his friend gunned down in an attempt on his life? And we all know how one can become a target when you attempt to be unbossed, unbought and truly make efforts to change your life in our society.Remember- believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.