Ludacris & Co. Rally for Martin

Martin, flanked by political and musical supporters at the state capitol, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin got a boost from Atlanta's self-declared "hip-hop royalty" on the eve of the runoff race against opponent, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Veteran Democratic Party officials including Congressman John Lewis, state Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd, and numerous others crowded the stage, taking turns rallying the crowd of several hundred supporters.


Rapper Ludacris called on the crowd to go and vote Tuesday morning for Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin, at a rally on the steps of the capitol, Monday, Dec., 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Braving chilly weather, Martin was joined on a stage set up on the steps of the capitol, by a bevy of acclaimed rappers including Ludacris and T.I (Clifford Harris).

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

Mom of T.I.'s sons wants court-ordered support

The mother of two of T.I.'s children has sued the platinum-selling rapper for child support, saying she is having a hard time supporting the boys and now wants a court-ordered
arrangement for payment.

Lashon Dixon and T.I. have known each other since they were teenagers and dated before he reached megastar status. They have two sons together, ages 7 and 8.

Dixon says T.I. currently gives her about $2,000 a month to care for the boys, but now she wants to schedule a more stable stipend that is commensurate with his success. Both parties appeared in Fulton County Superior Court on Thursday.

In March, T.I. is expected to be sentenced to at least a year in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal weapon possession charges.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of this story.

(The Associated Press)

T.I. expects 'exoneration' on weapons charges: video

Clifford Harris Jr., the rapper known as T.I. expressed confidence he would not be convicted of federal weapons charges, speaking publicly for the first time since his arrest in a video posted on a hip-hop Web site.

In the short video posted on Streetcred.com, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., said people shouldn't believe everything reported in the news.

"I look forward to being exonerated on all charges," the 27-year-old rapper said in the video. "And I say that with the utmost sincerity."

Harris thanked his fans and lawyers. He also thanked the judge in his case for allowing him to be on house arrest. He also said in the video that he is using his free time to read, write and work on a new album.

Harris was arrested Oct. 13 in a midtown Atlanta parking lot just blocks from the BET Hip-Hop Awards, which he was to headline later that night. Federal authorities say Harris tried to buy machine guns and silencers. He was released on bond Oct. 26.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about T.I.
___
Streetcred:
http://www.streetcred.com/

(The Associated Press)

Rapper remains in jail until next bond hearing

Harris
Rapper T.I., aka 27-year-old Clifford Harris will remain behind bars until a new bond hearing next Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman said in an Atlanta federal court this morning.

Counsel for the Grammy-winning Atlanta native wanted him out on a $2.2 million bond, and stipulated other supporting details, in their request to the court.

Baverman turned down their request, as well as a request that the singer be allowed to remain in monitored home confinement, including random home and drug searches while he awaits trial on weapons charges.

Several record company executives, including some from Atlantic Records, were seated in the courtroom. Officials said they were prepared to offer signature bond on Harris' behalf in excess of $1 million.

Prosecutors countered that because of Harris' criminal history and because he was arrested while allegedly trying to buy machine guns, he poses a flight risk and danger to the community.

Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on weapons charges, including possession of machine guns.

His indictment followed his arrest last Saturday for allegedly possessing unregistered machine guns and silencers and of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Click here for previous GPB coverage of this story.

(With the Associated Press)

Jailed rapper faces Friday hearing

Clifford Harris (Vibe)
Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper T.I. -- otherwise known as Clifford Harris -- will remain in an Atlanta jail at least until Friday, when a bond hearing will be held.

Undercover Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents arrested Harris, an already convicted felon, when his bodyguard tried to buy machine guns and silencers from an undercover agent in a parking lot.

ATF agent Vanessa McLemore, says the sting should serve as a warning to others:

“Any arrest based on the extent of these firearms charges should serve as a wakeup call to any current or future firearms defendant, regardless of your name, your age, your race, profession or socio-economic status.”

Prosecutors want Harris held without bond until his trial, possibly months away.

Click here for previous GPB News coverage of the Harris case, and here for more reports about gun crime.