Mar 27 2009 2:46 PM EDT T.I.: 'I Hope That Others Can Learn From My Mistakes' [View All]

[ej510]

Source: MTV

MC answered questions after his sentencing on weapons charges Friday.

By Jocelyn Vena

After T.I. gave a statement regarding his sentencing at a press conference on Friday (March 27), the rapper, who was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for felony weapons charges stemming from his October 2007 arrest on the eve of the BET Hip-Hop Awards, took questions from reporters.

"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives because these are the five people I keep contacting, and it's an honor for me to do so," he told the crowd moments after being sentenced when asked who he has changed. "I've never looked at myself as a leader of a generation. This experience has taught me I have the ability to influence."

Now that the rapper faces jail time, MTV News wanted to know how the ordeal has changed him. "I hope that others can learn from my mistakes," he said. "In many ways, I think I'm a more patient person. I think I have a calmer spirit. I think I allow myself to use my mind more than my hands."

When asked why he acted the way he did before his arrest, he said, "I think my judgment was altered due to a tragic situation. In that process, I had lost sight. I guess I resolved to taking matters into my own hands, foolishly."

T.I. who seemed in generally good spirits during the press conference, said he will take things "one day at a time" now that he's been sentenced, and will be thinking about "my family, my children, my freedom ... you have to be willing to accept responsibility."

MTV News will have more from T.I. today and throughout the weekend, including Sway's exclusive interview with the rapper. Don't miss "T.I.'s Road to Redemption: The Reckoning," airing Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.

Video at the link:

Read more: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1607987/20090327/t_i_.jhtml

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Hopefully T.I. can change enough lives; so he can steer young brothas towards college.