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| Throughout2008 T.I. found himself alternating between personal and professionalchallenges in the form of promoting a new album, legal woes, and a persistentBankhead rival. OnMarch 27, T.I., real name Clifford Harris, was sentenced to 1 year in prisonfor two counts of illegally possessing machine guns and silencers, and onecount of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Pendingfulfillment of all requirements under his plea agreement, T.I.'s sentence willcommence on March 27, 2009. Inaddition to being fined $100,000, the Atlanta star was required to complete1000 hours of community service, which included speaking to at-risk youth andpublic service announcements. Duringthis time, Bankhead rapper Shawty Lo repeatedly baited T.I. with video tauntsand accusations that the Grammy-winning emcee was lying about his past. Thefeud simmered over the summer, most notably at radio station Hot 107.9'sBirthday Bash. There, Shawty Lo boldly proclaimed over the big screen that "ANew King Is Born," and featured a video of an inept FBI agent resembling hisrival. T.I. responded in kind during his set by mocking Lo's trademark dance. Althoughthe beef was allegedly squashed various times after sit-downs between the men,T.I.'s blockbuster album Paper Trailshowcased numerous veiled and blatant jabs at Shawty Lo. Thetension spilled over into violence at Radio One's 4th annual DirtyAwards (November 24). Duringa 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. Asother Grand Hustle members attempted to confront Lo's camp, police moved in tobreak up the potential melee. Later,T.I. and Lo again met backstage and supposedly agreed to stop any furtherderogatory comments against each other. T.I. then publicly on stage reiteratedthe feud should end and denounced the violence that had taken place. Thetruce proved short-lived, as T.I. drew the ire of Lo's entourage whileperforming 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. Thepolice weren't quick enough this time, as Alfamega allegedly assaulted ShawtyLo's brother before being pepper sprayed and jailed along with Grand Hustlemember Big Kuntry. Inthe fallout from the incident, both sides chose to blame the other for anotherHip-Hop awards show being ruined by unnecessary violence. "Ididn't go and start nothing. If they rewind the cameras, they'll see how itstarted," Shawty Lo explained. "I'm a man. I respect every man as a man. If aman disrespects me, what am I supposed to do?" T.I. needs to contain his people. We're notstanding down. I performed my music. I didn't come to start no beef with him." Alfamegacountered by speculating that the months of feuding stems from Shawty Lo beingjealous of T.I.'s success. "I think [Lo] feels like he ain't getting his just due," Alfamegastated. "I can understand, but God will give you blessings, and your blessingsmight not as be as big as the next man. Be thankful for what you got…I'm embarrassed by thewhole situation." Since the incident Shawty Lo has madeseveral videos speaking on the matter, and it appears this feud will continuewell into 2009. |
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