Throughout
2008 T.I. found himself alternating between personal and professional
challenges in the form of promoting a new album, legal woes, and a persistent
Bankhead rival.
On
March 27, T.I., real name Clifford Harris, was sentenced to 1 year in prison
for two counts of illegally possessing machine guns and silencers, and one
count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Pending
fulfillment of all requirements under his plea agreement, T.I.’s sentence will
commence on March 27, 2009.
In
addition to being fined $100,000, the Atlanta star was required to complete
1000 hours of community service, which included speaking to at-risk youth and
public service announcements.
During
this time, Bankhead rapper Shawty Lo repeatedly baited T.I. with video taunts
and accusations that the Grammy-winning emcee was lying about his past.
The
feud simmered over the summer, most notably at radio station Hot 107.9’s
Birthday Bash. There, Shawty Lo boldly proclaimed over the big screen that “A
New King Is Born,” and featured a video of an inept FBI agent resembling his
rival. T.I. responded in kind during his set by mocking Lo’s trademark dance.
Although
the beef was allegedly squashed various times after sit-downs between the men,
T.I.’s blockbuster album Paper Trail
showcased numerous veiled and blatant jabs at Shawty Lo.
The
tension spilled over into violence at Radio One’s 4th annual Dirty
Awards (November 24).
During
a Shawty Lo performance of “Don’t I,” a direct diss record to T.I.’s camp,
Grand Hustle member Alfamega reportedly hurled a chair onto the stage.
As
other Grand Hustle members attempted to confront Lo’s camp, police moved in to
break up the potential melee.
Later,
T.I. and Lo again met backstage and supposedly agreed to stop any further
derogatory comments against each other. T.I. then publicly on stage reiterated
the feud should end and denounced the violence that had taken place.
The
truce proved short-lived, as T.I. drew the ire of Lo’s entourage while
performing his verse from “Ain’t I.” According to Shawty Lo’s camp, T.I.
allegedly changed lyrics to take some verbal jabs at his rival.
The
police weren’t quick enough this time, as Alfamega allegedly assaulted Shawty
Lo’s brother before being pepper sprayed and jailed along with Grand Hustle
member Big Kuntry.
In
the fallout from the incident, both sides chose to blame the other for another
Hip-Hop awards show being ruined by unnecessary violence.
“I
didn’t go and start nothing. If they rewind the cameras, they’ll see how it
started,” Shawty Lo explained. “I’m a man. I respect every man as a man. If a
man disrespects me, what am I supposed to do?” T.I. needs to contain his people. We’re not
standing down. I performed my music. I didn’t come to start no beef with him.”
Alfamega
countered by speculating that the months of feuding stems from Shawty Lo being
jealous of T.I.’s success.
“I think [Lo] feels like he ain’t getting his just due,” Alfamega
stated. “I can understand, but God will give you blessings, and your blessings
might not as be as big as the next man. Be thankful for what you got… I’m embarrassed by the
whole situation.”
Since the incident Shawty Lo has made
several videos speaking on the matter, and it appears this feud will continue
well into 2009.
