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T.I.: The Farewell Blog

Posted by: TI 5/10/2009 | 13,076 Views

COMMENTS

In a few weeks, I will begin a one-year prison sentence for being in the possession of illegal firearms. Where I come from, having a gun is just part of everyday life. But, through this painful process of going to court and being convicted, I realized that I had to make a change. I made some bad decisions. I broke the law and will accept my punishment. With deep reflection about where my life was headed, I have begun the process of redemption, and decided that before I go to prison, I want to speak to young people about responsibility as a lifestyle. I hope that through my mistakes, young people can begin to learn, as I did, that we have to put our guns down and start to give our guns back. It pains me inside to hear about so many of our people dying because of gun violence. Just in the past weeks, a 13-year old boy was shot in the head in Harlem, a 17 and 19-year old were murdered in a double homicide in Queens and a 15 year old was chased, beaten, shot and burned in Chicago.

We will gather today in Harlem, with many mentors and supporters by my side, including Rev. Al Sharpton, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Political Swagger, Mobile Regime and the C.H.A.N.G.E. Initiative to share the message that now is the time. Now is the time to speak out against gun violence. Now is the time to take responsibility for our actions. Now is the time to make our communities safer. Now is the time to support good legislation, like the S.N.U.G. bill in NY. Now is the time to give back our guns. Now is the time for me to lead by example.

We can and we will do better.

-T.I.

For more information on the “Responsibility is a Lifestyle: It’s Time to Bury Da Beef” visit: www.TheKINGFoundation.com or text KING to 878787

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62 comments

TI do not pass go! Go straight to jail! The time you were given to pay you debts for your legal representation was wasted! Just one big publicity stunt for Def Jam and MTV. I am disgusted!

greenluv1322 5/25/2009 | reply
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ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE THE WEAK FALL TO THA WAYSIDE SHOT OUT TO GRAND HUSTLE KING!!!

Shunn 5/23/2009 | reply
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don't trip TIP.... u'll be out before you know it.... and have like 4 albums, 3 scripts, 2 books, and one 1 life to live. HOLD YO HEAD PLAYBOY..... 1

thepro77 5/22/2009 | reply
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Amen

twitter.com/Taurusemv 5/19/2009 | reply
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YEA T.I. THOSE MONTHS WILL JUST FLY BY. AND I ABOUT FLIPPED WHEN I HEARD YOU WERE SERVING YOUR TIME HERE IN ARKANSAS. THE CITY IS ABOUT ONE HOUR FROM WHERE I LIVE.

5/16/2009 | reply
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YEA T.I. THAT TIME WILL FLY BY SO FAST. AND I ABOUT FLIPPED WHEN I SEEN ON THE NEWS THAT YOU WILL BE SERVING YOUR TIME HERE IN ARKANSAS I LIVE ABOUT ONE HOUR AND 30 MINS. FROM FORREST CITY ARKANSAS.

DARLENE TURNER 5/16/2009 | reply
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I think many people fail to realize that celebrities or ppl in the media are only human just like the rest of us. And even if it's just a lil bit, more money makes more problems for some, especially when ur under surveilance dmn near by so many. Keep ur head up, T.I., and this as well as any other thing that has or will hinder you should def. serve as a lesson learned. u Still the King, albums are still gonna sell, ur album when u come out will be probably your best yet... and your family and those who genuinely care will always be with you. Stay strong and be blessed.

JoBunny 5/15/2009 | reply
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People think these situations are real but they are not. The past is an illusion. Stocking up ammo for no reason is just part of the main point. Attaching value to the valueless is a never ending cycle. This is just the beginning for T.I. unfortunately for him.

R.O. 5/14/2009 | reply
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**BEING. In addition, how exactly does this boost his career? None, ladies and gentlemen the music speaks for itself, not the Artists life.

PinkyGotti 5/13/2009 | reply
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HATERS TO THE RIGHT OF ME, HATERS TO THE LEFT OF ME. What is so wrong in someone making a conscious effort to be remorsefull and repent for committing a crime. TI is the person I have seen to date taking responsibility for his actions and then has the decency to try to help others from being in his position. Is it a farce, only TI and God knows. He has been judged by someone all more important than you and I, and that is the sentence he got, if he chooses to promote well geing and social conciousness then commend him for it instead of being angry that he isnt' contributing to the BROKEASSBLACKMANSYNDROME.

PinkyGotti 5/13/2009 | reply
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whatever. dude is gonna be out in 4 months (IF THAT).

J-money 5/12/2009 | reply
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TIP, my nephew JAY ROC sd whats up and wish you the best. I've been tryn to holla at you the last 3 years. Shout bac

JAY ROC 5/12/2009 | reply
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TI,

I really hope that when your time is up and you are back home you continue to work with the youth becasue they really look up to you. A Lot of people said you did the MTV spot just for show. Please don't prove them right.

We are rooting for you!

Travelgurl 5/12/2009 | reply
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TI,

The time is now & it sometimes takes a forceful movement to get our attention of what is important in our lives as well as in our communities and in our world.

I was forced to change my own ways and live different when my love caught a case resulting in a 4 year sentence. Before that we were living life but not putting enough value and focus on what was important for our futures.

I began to reflect on how my community and why my community is affected and caught up in violence, drugs, guns, and very little respect or love for life. Many dont have opportunity to better ourselves or even think outside of what is displayed in the environments every day: music, tv, news, streets, etc. We all can point fingers but that does nothing. What can we EACh do to reverse the cycles that are in place??? I LOVE rap but it doesn't make me feel good to hear MCs speak on past lives & use it to selfishly gain presense or power. Id love to see more artists step up & use their past as examples and learning lessons so our children can have a chance & not expect or BE expected to live life thru the system .

I pray for you & your family & ALL those who are LOCKED DOWN ( & Fam-bams). It is a hard road & the challenges will continue to come. Remain in faith & strong in mind.. Let Nothing will break you. Its time for us all to live like royalty as Kings and Queens and treat others as Kings & Queens.

Peace.

QueenRoyale 5/12/2009 | reply
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HEY T.I.

I WILL KEEP YOU AND TINY AND THOSE KIDS PRAYED UP, YOU GO AND DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO AND THEN COME ON OUT AND FINISH TAKING CARE OF YOUR BUSINESS. I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR GRANDMOTHER. YOU HAVE A LOOK ABOUT YOU THAT EVERYTIME I SEE A PICTURE OF YOU SOMEWHERE I STOP AND JUST STARE, YOU DIDN'T KNOW WHO OR WHOSE YOU WERE BUT I SEE YOU'RE LEARNING. TAKE CARE AND WRITE UP A STORM, BRING IT BACK RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tena5 5/12/2009 | reply
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