 T.I. and Al Sharpton speak about anti-gun violence during rally in Harlem on Monday (May 11) (Photo: Dave Goodson) With just days to go before he's scheduled to begin serving his year long jail sentence for felony weapons charges, rapper T.I. headed to Harlem, New York on Monday (May 11) in support of a campaign against anti-gun violence.
Dubbed the "Bury Da Beef" campaign, T.I. joined the Rev. Al Sharpton at the rally, which also honored the memory of 13-year-old Christopher Owen and 17-year-old Cory Squires, both recently gunned down.
"First of all, I want to apologize to everyone," T.I. said, referring to his well-publicized federal gun case, before discussing the mistakes he's made and why his voice is perfect for encouraging youth not to follow that same path.
"I carried guns and swung dope as a 13-year-old," the rapper explained. "I had my best friend taken away from me through guns. I was so hurt from the loss of his life, I didn't take notice to the knowledge that I still had mine.
"I know what it's like," he continued. "I've come into Harlem, I've spoken at schools before. These kids know I lived the life I'm now living. They know I've seen the likely outcome of their mistakes. I've caught cases, I've been to jail, I've had attempts on my life and I'm still standing. I've learned from it. I have the experience that living this life of crime — I know where they're headed."
Since pleading guilty in March to federal charges of illegally possessing machine guns and silencers, T.I. has done everything in his power to turn the negative situation into a positive.
One way was by touring the country, speaking to kids as a part of his community service duties. Those experiences were captured on film and featured in the MTV reality series "T.I.'s Road to Redemption."
(Check out photos from the rally here  )
Following the rally, T.I., Kevin Liles, and Ja Rule participated in a peace walk, visiting the site where Squire's life was cut short by a hail of bullets. TIP told kids to think before pulling a gun to settle differences, saying, "you're not just killing a man, you're killing a family."
Before leaving, the rapper made sure to assure fans that when he emerges from his prison sentence, he'll be stronger than ever.
"When I get back -- 'cause I will be back -- you'll see me standing stronger, wiser and richer."
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