I'm sure by now you've heard that T.I. and his team of attorneys are requesting that the "King" be allowed to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family this year. I thought long and hard before talking about this because I know how closely SOHH Atlanta gets viewed by the people over at Grand Hustle Records and beyond. But at the end of the day, I am who I am... and it is what it is.
According to SOHH.com's news department T.I. is seeking permission from Judge Alan Baverman to ring in the holidays in the company of close friends and family on Thanksgiving Day between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
While I have been called a heartless bastard many times, in this situation I hate to have to address an unfortunate, and might I add, important fact. But, WHERE THE HELL IS THE PUNISHMENT?? I understand that everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty, but to have a convicted felon (and let's not forget that is what he is) being given the privileges that T.I. has already been given does in some small way rub me the wrong way. Look, I love T.I.! He's done very well for himself and has solidified his name amongst hip-hop royalty. I have no problem acknowledging all his success in the business. But after being granted house arrest, and lets be clear... the man lives in a sprawling mansion, which I'm sure has a banging recording studio where he's still able to record his ass off, spend time with his kids, and get his conjugal on with Tiny, makes it anything but a damn house arrest.
Plus, all this drama, though unfortunate is only free publicity for him when once he makes his "comeback" album. I can just see the fans lining up in the streets, if/when the current charges get dropped, painting the pint sized rapper as more of a hero then yet another black man who chose to risk it all over some bullsh*t.
So now, to ask the judge for more privileges like this new request to allow his family to come over the crib, sends yet another mixed message to our society that those who have money can do whatever they want. And those who don't...it sucks to be you. While I will not pretend to know all the details in this legal situation. Everything in my bones says that T.I. isn't just some innocent by stander in all of this.
So I pose the question to you all biases aside. Do you think the Judge should allow T.I. to be with his family on Thanksgiving? Or is the punishment in his on-going court trial not fitting the crime?
Or how about I toss you another bone. Is T.I.'s "special treatment" warranted since so many African Americans receive so much injustice from our very skewed justice system?
Talk to y'all lata,
--SOHH Gyant
Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com
