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Multiplatinum rapper T.I.'s stars were perfectly aligned: He had finally sealed the deal with his long-time lady love Tameka "Tiny" Cottle by getting married in July; he was basking in the glow of his box-office smash "Takers"; and he was in the throes of wrapping up a new album and had completed taping a VH-1 music special. Until Wednesday night.
T.I. and Tiny were crusing in West Hollywood when they were pulled over for a routine traffic stop. When police officers got wind, literally, of what was wafting throughout their luxe vehicle's cabin, it was curtains for the celeb duo. The vehicle was searched, ecstasy and other drugs were found, and the couple was arrested and booked on felony possession of a controlled substance charge.
Now tongues are wagging. Is T.I.'s comeback career over? Did he put a lid on his coffin by sabotaging his future as not only a successful and respected musician but as an actor.
According to Ed Garland, a defense lawyer for the 29-year-old hip-hop megastar who spoke to the Associated Press about his client, "We're not making any observations at this time. This is an unfortunate occurrence, and we do not know what the outcome will be."
As far as his music label, Atlantic Records, is concerned, a spokesperson said that it "would be premature to speculate about the current situation given that there is an ongoing investigation of this matter."
No one seems to want to speculate as to the outcome T.I. could be facing as a recently released offender, who spent seven months in prison on weapons charges and who had been out on probation. As a condition of T.I.'s three-year-parole, he was forbidden from committing another federal, state or local crime or illegally possessing a controlled substance.
Drug tests and participation in a drug- and- alcohol-treatment program were also required. Despite the stringent rules of T.I.'s probation, not even U.S. Attorney Sally Yates, Atlanta's top federal law enforcement official, would dare clue us in on what the future might hold for the "King of the South":
"The probation office is in the process of determining what happened and will make a recommendation regarding Mr. Harris when they have all the facts."
Another member of T.I.'s legal team Dwight Thomas echoes the general sentiment that no one should be making any predictions as to how T.I.'s case will be handled:
"We don't have a full grasp of the facts and circumstances. We don't know the violation," he said. "I will remain optimistic until this matter is favorably resolved."
And what about the rapper's fans of mostly young people, who have not only supported him throughout his musical journey but continued to do so even after his prison release through his community service efforts which targeted youth?
T.I. devotees would travel to hear him preach about the importance of staying in school, working hard and (ironically) keeping their distance from violence and drugs. Many parents of these children say that despite the rapper's legal woes, they still believed the righteous messages he delivered to their children. "The kids were starstruck, of course, but it was a good forum," Sabrina King told the AP, who attended one of T.I.'s community service talks with her 13-year-old daughter, Raven Jones.
Landon Brown, principal of Lindley 6th Grade Academy in Cobb County, Ga., told the AP that Harris visited his school about three years ago to openly discuss with the children the regrettable decisions he had made in life and how they had impacted him.
"Many of our at-risk kids are going down the same path, and it is often beneficial for them to hear from someone they can relate to," Brown said. "The kids clearly heard the message about how the choices they make now may have consequences that affect their futures."
Meanwhile Tiny, who is the co-star of the BET reality hit show "Tina & Toya," may be able to skate on the charges with regards to her case. Reportedly, since she is a Mom, jail time might be avoided depending on the quantity of drugs that were found. Legal experts contend that courts loathe jailing Moms, particularly if there is no father to care for the children at home. Jailing both T.I. and Tiny would mean that the children would be literally parentless.
Right now, those bright lights that were lining T.I. and Tiny's path are dimmed.
Comments: (29)
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By: mannup on 9/07/2010 10:08PM
Patricia, When all that smoke hit the cops in their noses after when Ti open the windows his alibi when up in smoke also! When a person continue to act the fool and bite himself in the ass people just get tire of their B.S. he' turning out to be another DMX, Most brothers and sister want to see these top rap artist succeed but it seem like these fools don't know how to use good judgement. they go out on the town and act like little children and can't keep their hands out of the damn cookie jar! He knew that he's on probation, people was proud that he's getting on the good foot again and what do this fool do? Go out to party but in the auto smoking blunts like his ass is arrest proof! It's dumb sh*t like this that make you shake your head and say damn not again, What some gets to the top and can't reasom anymore?
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By: David on 9/06/2010 8:20AM
The writer Ruth Manuel-Logan of this story is trying to pretend that parents were supportive of this idiot speaking at schools. I remember reading about a lot of anger and outrage that he was allowed to speak without parents permission. One quote from the article:
"In the future, if T.I. or any other convicted felon needs to perform community service, ask for parental permission to allow our children to be exposed to these questionable individuals, wrote Tom Myers, who has four daughters in the school."
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/04/22/22180818.aspx
Because of racism in our society a lot of black members of the media try to excuse these rich black celebrities bad behavior every chance they get. Many of these black celebrates both male AND female whether they are actors, singers, rappers or athletes do nothing for the black community other than bring a bad image and influence to our children. This guy T I has gotten dozens of second chances. No more excuses. It's time to lock T I (and Tiny)away.
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By: charles wallace on 9/06/2010 7:31PM
He hasn't been out of jail long enough to have a comeback! He's still digesting his first meal out of prison------TINY!
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By: ELAJHA4EVA on 9/07/2010 12:29PM
WHO CARES GIVE THE MAN A BREAK THEY SHOULD'VE DONE SOMETHING TO LINDSAY LOHAN, I KNOW ALCOHOL AND DRUGS R DIFFERENT BUT TO ME BOTH HAND WASHES THE OTHER I STILL STAND BEHIND T.I. DO YOU DON'T SWEAT IT.
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By: mary on 9/07/2010 2:12PM
Jail for both of them !!!!!!!!!!! If she was a great mother , she would not have had her a-- in a car doing drugs. DUMB ,DUMB. SHE IS REALLY DUMB , BECAUSE SHE SHOULD HAVE TOLD HER MAN ,LET STAY HOME AND GET HIGH IF YOU JUST HAVE TO GET HIGH.
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By: sya on 9/07/2010 3:02PM
Black people please, forget about these fools. Any idiot that's black that thinks he/she can ride around in west hollywood smoking weed and packing other drugs should be locked-up. I grew-up in hollywood and remember the days when sunset was ruled by max julien and those other black pimps. But, that's over with, they have cleaned these boulevards up. They don't want blacks carousing on these streets, enjoying their riches etc. And, this idiot and his wife are riding around getting high. Negro, please, you ain't who you think you are. And, the LA county DA will prove it to you and her. Paris Hilton can get away with this but, she's white. Oh, I forgot there's no racism, anymore. So, if they throw away the key with these idiots so be it. Good riddance for being so stupid and arrogant.
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By: keithsy on 9/07/2010 9:01PM
So he went to talk to grade schoolers about the mistakes that he made: Too little, too late. Black kids have made up their minds about what they want to do-rap, play besketball and gang bang.
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By: Marvice on 9/07/2010 11:18PM
I was not aware of all the things that Tiny had gone through, however, that does not excuse the choices. I don't understand how people with enough money to take care of their basic needs always seem to need drugs. I can be compasionate and sympathetic etc..., but I just don't understand how you can be blessed with enough money to live a decent life and not be satisfied with it. If I had the nice house they have, the businesses, what the hell would I need to be high for? If you don't enjoy being yourself then WTF? I know it's hard to imagine being in someone else's shoes, but I really don't think I would fall into that trap. I know how happy and carefree I feel when I have extra spending money. Doing drugs never even crosses my mind.
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By: Naima on 9/08/2010 1:19PM
First of all: whoever said, "Judges hate to put mothers in jail...." needs to visit a women's prison. Please belive me the jails are full of mothers on just such charges and as the hot right now Ms. Tameka. I hope she does not go to jail, but I do hope that she gets the help she needs because this is her second felony drug possession charge. What would happen to you under similar circumstances probably won't happen to her because she has the resources to fight for the best deal. Meanwhile, wives and girlfriends please rethink that ride or die trip and empathize but hold your sympathy for the people who really need it. They do not. Who is going to ride or die with the children, if not you Mami, if not you Papi? Dr. naima wants to know -- what is it about your own freedom that you hate so much that you would risk it over something you can do at home or (in California) under medical supervision? Eh?
Second, my Grannie (and probably yours, too) always said about us black folks, "When we know better, we do better..." Grannie, I am so sorry --apparently not in 2010 and not when we get rich and famous. I think something besides the weed, the ecstacy and what was that stuff in the cup - yeah that - something else went to his head (and hers, too) before they picked up any of the substances. Pure selfishness. Pure ego. Pure vanity. Hubris. (Look it up.)
Sad to say: this looks like the perfect storm where all the negatively charged elements in your life and environment converge to take you down. It's the pop life, mixed up with the street black 'rags to riches,' fairy tale gone bad, it's the hip hop 'can't touch me' swagger, and definitely it's his and her personal problems. Clearly, they do not take themselves or their lives as seriouosly as we have and do.
Third: even with all that negativity going on does anyone else wonder where and who are their people? You know, the crew. All that money and all these problems and you mean to tell me you don't have anybody in your camp watching your back, speaking truth in your ear, pulling your coat, saying, "No, maybe not, maybe not right now... WAIT!"? Okay, is it possible that all they really have are the billable hours lawyers and a bunch of fools who say yes to any and everything? How absolutely awful if that is the case.
Finally, I am really trying to give up cussing but this is a shame, shame, curse word with the big MF shame. Curses!
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