May 26, 2009 16:19

T.I. performs pre-prison farewell gig

Rapper is scheduled to begin sentence today (May 26)

T.I. performed a show for 16,000 people at the weekend in Atlanta, bidding a temporary farewell to freedom before serving a 366-day prison sentence.

The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, is due to check into jail today to begin his sentence, which is related to felony gun charges.

During the show at Philips Arena on Sunday (May 24), he said "I'm doing the best I can to get out there, man, and put something positive on these young kids, man. I try my best. I need y'all help, though."

He was joined on stage by family members and rapper Soulja Boy, according to CNN.

As previously reported, he is not expected to be behind bars for the entire year, having apparently already served the majority of the sentence on home detention. He may serve just two months in the Forrest City prison in Arkansas.

--By our New York staff.
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