This article by Public Broadcasting Atlanta raises a question that many folks in the hip hop community have been whispering in the last few days. How in the hell did T.I. (who has been convicted of several felonies in the past), manage to only get 1 year in jail? When you consider the fact that he was caught purchasing heavy artillery from a federal agent, their case against him appeared rather strong.
Money and celebrity can't be the only reason he got off so lightly. Michael Vick had more fame and money than T.I., yet he was sentenced to more time in prison. This talk of T.I. possibly being a federal informant is purely speculation, but everyone's wondering just how he pulled this off.
"Atlanta defense lawyer Page Pate says cases like T.I.'s usually leave defendants with at least a 5 year sentence.
PATE: There are a lot of people who are sitting serving time in federal prison right now who would love to talk to schools and churches and other community groups to serve some of their time, but they can't do that because they don't have his celebrity.
US Attorney David Nahmias yesterday defended the agreement saying T.I. has a greater chance of positively influencing at-risk youth than any government awareness campaign. T.I. could also face stiffer penalties if he breaks the plea deal."
My Trusted MOGs
I hope he enjoys having a target on his chest
My Trusted MOGs
no matter what the truth is, no one is going to trust this guy now. he'd be better off serving more time just for street cred!
My Trusted MOGs
Hmmmm...I dunno. T.I. is pretty well-respected. He's one of the few rappers that is really thought of as being a street dude. It would take a lot for people to start hollering "snitch" his way.
My Trusted MOGs
I'm not gonna say I haven't thought the same thing before, because I have. Time will tell... I'm sure if he did snitch there will be some consequences and repercussions.