T.I.’s probation officer is recommending that he serve 14 months in prison for violating the terms of his probation after he and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, were caught with a controlled substance in Los Angeles. T.I. also tested positive for drugs after the arrest. On Oct. 15, T.I. will find out how much time he will receive.
But while taking care of his family and beginning his next prison sentence are his first priorities, T.I. could find that he is irrelevant in hip-hop once he is released the second time. His latest comeback songs, “I’m Back” and “Got Your Back,” received lukewarm responses and failed to create the buzz that T.I. is used to when it comes to breaking hit singles.
Although his forthcoming album, King Uncaged, was highly anticipated before his arrest, Atlantic Records has yet to give it a release date.
Most hip-hop artists experience a few years of success before fans turn their attention to the next wave of artists. Once he is released from his latest prison bid, the 30-year-old T.I. could have a difficult time recapturing the success he garnered in the past if fans lose interest during his absence. –a.r.
