When T.J. Holmes, a weekend anchor for “CNN Newsroom,” interviewed superstar rapper T.I. a few weeks prior to his sentencing, he was surprised by the depth of T.I.’s insight, and the contrast between the musical icon’s intellect and his actions. The 28-year-old was extremely polite, eloquent and charismatic. He was also extremely remorseful and ready to pay his yearlong debt to society in a federal prison. This side of T.I. Holmes said, acutely contrasts with the public persona of the hardcore rapper with a penchant for controversy and criminality. Holmes’ interview with T.I., born Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., will be aired on CNN’s weekend edition.
Rolling Out: You probably had one image in your mind of T.I. prior to your interview with the Atlanta-based rapper.
Holmes: You can certainly tell in his music … there had to be some charisma … to be able to sell as many records and have the success that he’s had. It’s a strange dichotomy with this guy to hear some of his music and the reputation that he has [with] all the arrests … the drugs and guns.
RO: You said T.I., unlike many of today’s biggest stars, showed genuine remorse and took full responsibility for his decisions.
Holmes: There are so many stories, even recently [of] people who have not taken responsibility for their actions — from Michael Phelps to Alex Rodriguez. [T.I.] came right out [and said] ‘I was wrong.’ He was an absolutely contrite guy. And that, in a lot of ways, is sort of refreshing …
RO: You attended T.I.’s sentencing hearing at the Federal Courthouse in Atlanta. What was T.I.’s and the family’s mood following the judge’s decision to uphold the negotiated plea agreement.
Holmes: A lot of it seemed to be relief, like, ‘okay it’s finally over.’ A lot of people forget … that he was busted in October of 2007 — a long time ago. … When I talked to him at the CNN studio he said ‘The sooner I can go to jail, the sooner I can get it over with.’
RO: There seemed to be a parade of rage in the media about the plea deal. But, now there seems to be a shifting of opinion.
Holmes: … [T.I.] could affect more people and touch more lives and make more of a difference by spending that year in community service instead of just throwing this guy in jail immediately.
