By Tai Saint Louis
After spending months encouraging potential young voters to become active in the electoral process, multi-platinum artist T.I. carried out his civic duty today, joining the thousands who have voted early in his home state of Georgia.
Believing that he would be unable to participate in this year's historical election, the 27-year-old budding actor made it his objective to motivate others to get involved.
Over the summer, T.I. became the national spokesperson for Respect My Vote!, a non-partisan Get Out The Vote initiative launched earlier this year by Rev. Lennox Yearwood, Jr. and the Hip Hop Caucus.
It was not until recently that T.I. learned, through research of his own, that he was still eligible to vote, despite his previous run-ins with the law.
"Feels like I've taken advantage of my right to become a part of the democracy," declared the rapper Clifford Harris of the life-changing experience. "It was definitely worth standing in line and doing all the things people complain about voting. I think it's more than worth it."
"T.I. is an inspiration to us all, showing that you can overcome anything," reflected Reverend Yearwood of the Hip Hop Caucus. "He has become our Harry Belafonte of the 21st Century."
Expecting a record-breaking voter turnout this year, officials have urged those individuals who can, to vote before Election Day, which is of course, Tuesday, November. 4.
Their efforts have resulted in millions across the country standing in line for as long as five hours to vote.
The Hip Hop Caucus has joined forces with the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and AllHipHop.com to continue to inspire young voters with a national Respect My Vote! GOTV Bus Tour.
The tour will visit 18 cities through Election Day.
"The significance of T.I.'s leadership should not be underestimated," emphasized Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President/CEO of HSAN.
"T.I. has emerged as an effective national leader, inspiring millions of young people to vote in the 2008 elections. "
T.I. has remained in the spotlight over the last few weeks, thanks to the success of his latest album Paper Trail.
In addition to being the rappers fifth consecutive #1 debut, he historically held the #1 and #2 position on Billboard's Hot 100 this week with his singles "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna.
"Whatever You Like" also made headlines this week when a group of Georgia students remade the song, reminding adults that they can "Vote However They Like."
The video for "Live Your Life" debuted on BET's 106 & Park on Tuesday (October 28).