AllRespect.com // T.I.: 'I Hope That Others Can Learn From My Mistakes'

Posted on 2009-03-28 03:00:11
Artist/band(s): T.I. [FB]

musicnews View: Profile - All Posts

Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607987/20090327/t_i_.jhtml

MC answered questions after his sentencing on weapons charges Friday.By Jocelyn Vena

T.I. at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building in Atlanta on FridayPhoto: Moses Robinson/ WireImage

After T.I. gave a statement regarding his sentencing at a press conference on Friday (March 27), the rapper, who was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, took questions from reporters.

"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives because these are the five people I keep contacting, and it's an honor for me to do so," he told the crowd moments after being sentenced when asked who he has changed. "I've never looked at myself as a leader of a generation. This experience has taught me I have the ability to influence."

Now that the rapper faces jail time, MTV News wanted to know how the ordeal has changed him. "I hope that others can learn from my mistakes," he said. "In many ways, I think I'm a more patient person. I think I have a calmer spirit. I think I allow myself to use my mind more than my hands."

When asked why he acted the way he did before his arrest, he said, "I think my judgment was altered due to a tragic situation. [In the courtroom, T.I. told the judge that the 2006 shooting death of his friend Philant Johnson played a role in his decision to purchase unregistered guns.] In that process, I had lost sight. I guess I resolved to taking matters into my own hands, foolishly."

T.I. who seemed in generally good spirits during the press conference, said he will take things "one day at a time" now that he's been sentenced, and will be thinking about "my family, my children, my freedom ... you have to be willing to accept responsibility."

MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

RELATED NEWS

Music Midtown 2012 Festival Review
Related Artist/Band(s): Foo Fighters [FB] Pearl Jam [FB] Ludacris [FB] T.I. [FB] Neon Trees [FB]

Rick Ross, T.I., Lil Wayne Relive Best Birthday Bash Moments
Related Artist/Band(s): Lil Wayne [FB] T.I. [FB]

T.I. Says Chief Keef Gives A Voice To 'Youth In America'
Related Artist/Band(s): T.I. [FB]

T.I., Rick Ross Hold Court, Lil Wayne Surprises At Birthday Bash
Related Artist/Band(s): Lil Wayne [FB] T.I. [FB]

T.I.'s Trouble Man Will Be 'More Aggressive Than Paper Trail'
Related Artist/Band(s): T.I. [FB]

Page -