I have no idea how much T.I. paid his lawyers, but I can guarantee they didn't get enough money. The Associated Press is saying he'll only serve 12 months in prison, after being caught with enough guns to overthrow several African countries. Not only was he forbidden to carry weapons as a convicted felon, but at the time of his arrest he had a new single out taunting the police.
I'm surprised nobody in the mainstream media caught on to that little tidbit when the news of his arrest broke. You know how snobby news reporters LOVE to throw rap lyrics on the screen out of context to make them look 10x worse than they actually are? He was arrested just hours before his scheduled performance of "Hurt" on national television. Check out a few sample lyrics from the song below in case you aren't familiar.
Bridge x2
"Ain't a damn thang change I still keep that thang right up under my shirt Betta tell 'em I ain't playin' because it's all fun and games until somebody get hurt"
Verse 1
"Alota pussy niggas talk like broads love runnin' they mouth But then turn and run in they house Put the gun in they mouth, tell a nigga talk shit now You think you think you know the Gun go POW I ain't scared of the law naw I'm about to go to war what it is nigga win lose or draw I'll never get caught murkin' y'all cuz it ain't what you do The question is who saw Shawty I'm way too raw Catch me any day you want you could think I'm a play if you want But the fact still remain if I got a AK and you don't.... Well then playa you gone"
My Trusted MOGs
I would say publicity stunt, cause all this started around his last album, and right before his feature film debut in American Gangster. Even if it was not an intentional stunt, after some time in jail he is guaranteed to do major numbers, not like he wouldn't have anyways. One that was definitely a stunt was when Juelz Santanna got caught with a bag full of jolly ranchers and wads of cash. that is a hook in itself.
My Trusted MOGs
He has this innocence to him. I couldn't believe all this at first. Have you seen him in ATL? Bad movie, but he looks like couldn't even hurt a flower.
My Trusted MOGs
Yeah i dont think this one was a stunt as much as extreme stupidity. I honestly don't know why a rich man living in a big city needs machine guns. Just buy security guards and relax dude....
My Trusted MOGs
As if his street credibility wasn't already through the roof. His next album should be called "Teflon" instead of "Paper Trail".