Rapper T.I. Arrested, Derailing His Comeback
Multi-platinum rapper T.I. planned for a comeback after serving a sentence for weapons charges earlier this year. He starred in a movie, married his longtime girlfriend, and was wrapping up a new album when he was arrested Wednesday in California, putting a hurdle in his comeback trail.
The Grammy Award-winning rapper, who is under probation, and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, were both arrested on suspicion of methamphetamine possession soon after police pulled over their car in West Hollywood. The couple posted a $10,000 bail early Thursday.
The rapper has a history of drug and other offenses.
“We're not making any observations at this time,” said Ed Garland, a defense attorney for the rapper. “This is an unfortunate occurrence, and we do not know what the outcome will be.”
“It would be premature to speculate about the current situation given that there is an ongoing investigation of this matter,” Atlantic Records, the musician's music label, said in a statement.
The Atlanta-based rapper, who was born as Clifford Harris, is nicknamed “King of the South”, and has sold millions of albums and released hits like “Whatever You Like” and “U Don't Know Me.”
He also had recorded with Rihanna, Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake.
In 2007 he was caught while trying to purchase semi-automatic weapons on his way to a BET Awards show. He pleaded guilty to weapons charges and was jailed for seven months in Arkansas then three months in a halfway house in Georgia.