T.I. is on a campaign for relevancy.
The King of the South has penned another letter to fans from his prison cell, apparently hoping to stay in the spotlight while he serves out the second half of an 11-month stint in an Arkansas pen for violating his probation on an illegal weapons conviction.
So what Paper Trail did T.I. leave this time?
In the message posted to his official website last Friday, the 30-year-old Grammy winner thanked everyone who sent him letters, cards, books and "words of encouragement" while he's in the joint and said he was "looking forward to taking all of the things [he's] learned with [him] while leaving all the rest of the 'BS' behind."
"I've been tuned in somewhat to what's been happening out there," wrote T.I., real name Clifford Harris. "I can't even begin to tell y'all how much being on the outside looking in, having to witness all that's going on (and not going on) in the game affects me. Not being able to do what I love especially, it's like a whole other sentence within itself. But I really do appreciate all the love, respect, shout outs and salutations during this very difficult period in my life."
He especially singled out for thanks his "homies," Lil Wayne (who knows a little something about the Big House given his own legal travails), Killa Mike, and "durty" Nelly.
"Regardless of whether the gestures were the greatest or the smallest, they still meant the world to me," the hip-hopster continued.
T.I. added that "the separation from [his] art has definitely sparked an inferno of inspiration that will soon be felt by all" and, to show his appreciation to all his supporters and tide them over, within the next couple of weeks he plans to release a new record.
"During this time of seclusion I have developed a mind full of thoughts, ideas, plans and strategies of change to incorporate into my professional endeavors, as well as my personal lifestyle. But none of them is as strong as my determination to conquer my own imperfections and my will to WIN NO MATTER WHAT!!! " he wrote.
T.I. then ended on a triumphant note: "I love, respect and appreciate all those who have stood beside me and I have accepted those you didn't. But one things for sure and two for certain. As long as the Most High blesses me with the ability to live and breathe...My campaign will continue!!! Stronger, smarter, bigger and better than ever. For those that doubt that...See me when they free me. Love, King."
So far, no additional info on the new cuts other than the announcement.
Harris, who had previously logged seven months in jail on weapons charges, was sent back to the clink last November after a federal judge revoked his probation when he and wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were busted for Ecstasy possession last September.
Shortly before surrendering, he put the finishing touches on his latest album, No Mercy, which dropped in December.