Story Via: Singersroom.com
Embattled rapper T.I. says poor judgement and paranoia led him to purchase an arsenal of weapons that eventually led to his arrest and over 9 months in jail.
Appearing for his first interview post jail on Larry King Live Thursday, the “Live Your Life” rapper said his desire for fire-power began when his friend, Philant Johnson, was murdered. According to T.I., he was the intended target, not Johnson.
“It came from an attempt that was made on my life,” T.I. told King. “It caused a state of depression and paranoia. My judgment was jaded, and I felt my life was in danger.”
While T.I. knew the weapons could land him time behind bars as an already convicted felon, he went on to tell King that his childhood and environment filled with violence contributed to poor judgment.
“At the time, when I felt the need to have these things, I never took into consideration the legalities; I only took into consideration the protection of my life and family.”
Overall calm and composed throughout the nearly hour long interview, T.I. answered nearly all of King’s questions, except for one referring to firing a gun — he told King “I plea the fifth” on that one…
Moving forward, T.I. plans to be more conscious of his environment.
“The main thing I can do to protect myself in the future is to understand my position,” he told King. “I can’t put myself in an environment where it will require me to have a handgun. I just stay places where I can be cool. I have security now. … I take full responsibility for everything that happened to me. I’m a full believer that your life is what you make it. Society doesn’t owe you anything.”
T.I is slated to release his next album, “King Uncaged,” this summer.
See a clip from his appearance on Larry King below
BTW did you hear Tiny & Toya show is over. T.I. supposedly doesn’t want the taping to continue due to the negative image being portrayed on the show. Leave your comments below.
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