Fans Cheer TI at 'Bye Bash' Before Prison

TI returned to his native Atlanta to play a sold out "Goodbye Bash" last night, just two days before he reports to a federal prison for a weapons conviction. Many of his fans expressed support for the convicted rapper, whom they described as a role model, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Going to prison is like waking up in the morning," shrugged one producer. "It happens to everybody."

TI, already a convicted felon, was sentenced to a year and a day for illegal firearms possession. A federal judge last week denied a motion to delay the start of his sentence. One young parent, who brought her two children to the concert, called TI a positive influence for her son and daughter. She seemed incredulous that he was about to be behind bars. "I mean, is he really going in?" she asked.
(More rap music stories.)