Beyond rap and entertainment, T.I. knows that he’s lucky to be able to hug his wife and kids today. After two recent prison stints, T.I. faced years behind bars due to picking up charges as a convicted felon.
But with a second chance at life, T.I. continues to give back to his community and serve as an example of being a father in hip-hop.
During an interview with rolling out, T.I. spoke about his time in prison and personal growth.
Were there times when music wasn’t the biggest concern?
There was a point when I lost the passion for music. It was after the King album when I lost my best friend, Philant [Johnson]. It’s something else when you have someone die who you have known since 6-years-old. Psychologically, it messed me up. I shut everything off. I found myself mourning and I didn’t appreciate all that I was given.
The prison sentence also had a major affect as well, correct?
When I went to prison in 2009, I had so much resentment for the system. When you’re in a certain element, you can exercise certain strengths. But when you place me in a jungle and it’s all about survival, I’m going to have to posture myself in a way I’m fit to survive. By the time I came out of prison, my mindset was different from when I went in. Prison did me no good. But personally, I regressed completely.
There are several skits on the new album that are framed around moments when you got in trouble with the law. Through one skit, you addressed the arrest that occurred when you attempted to buy guns. When the police surrounded your car that day, what went through your mind at that moment?
It’s the first time I had a chance to actually say something. A part of the plea deal was that I couldn’t speak on anything that happened prior. But when the police came up that day, I was like, “Who are they here for?” After speaking with them, I figured they had bad information. But after sitting back, I realized that I removed myself from the idea that I was a felon and I couldn’t be around guns at all. The dude involved, he played the game wrong for a few thousand dollars. But at the end of the day, I’m a stronger man and a better man. I now know things that will keep me from making the same mistake twice.
We’ve all had a chance to see you mature over the years. But how do you deal with the fans who are more skeptical of the music because of the personal growth?
I don’t deal with it all; I’m just me. I’m the same me, but I have more knowledge, growth and development that came with the adversities I went through. I’m still me. I still stand on the same morals, same standards, and same principles. I still hit back when I’m hit. I just know [there’s] a time and place for everything. Certain environments are more appropriate for certain actions. I’ve just learned to recognize that more.
—amir shaw
