2008's Biggest Stories #1: T.I. vs. Jail vs. Shawty Lo

Throughout 2008 T.I. found himself alternating between personal and professional challenges in the form of promoting a new album, legal woes, and a persistent Bankhead rival.

On March 27, T.I., real name Clifford Harris, was sentenced to 1 year in prison for two counts of illegally possessing machine guns and silencers, and one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Pending fulfillment of all requirements under his plea agreement, T.I.’s sentence will commence on March 27, 2009.

In addition to being fined $100,000, the Atlanta star was required to complete 1000 hours of community service, which included speaking to at-risk youth and public service announcements.

During this time, Bankhead rapper Shawty Lo repeatedly baited T.I. with video taunts and accusations that the Grammy-winning emcee was lying about his past.

The feud simmered over the summer, most notably at radio station Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash. There, Shawty Lo boldly proclaimed over the big screen that “A New King Is Born,” and featured a video of an inept FBI agent resembling his rival. T.I. responded in kind during his set by mocking Lo’s trademark dance.

Although the beef was allegedly squashed various times after sit-downs between the men, T.I.’s blockbuster album Paper Trail showcased numerous veiled and blatant jabs at Shawty Lo.

The tension spilled over into violence at Radio One’s 4^th annual Dirty Awards (November 24).

During a Shawty Lo performance of “Don’t I,” a direct diss record to T.I.’s camp, Grand Hustle member Alfamega reportedly hurled a chair onto the stage.

As other Grand Hustle members attempted to confront Lo’s camp, police moved in to break up the potential melee.

Later, T.I. and Lo again met backstage and supposedly agreed to stop any further derogatory comments against each other. T.I. then publicly on stage reiterated the feud should end and denounced the violence that had taken place.

The truce proved short-lived, as T.I. drew the ire of Lo’s entourage while performing his verse from “Ain’t I.” According to Shawty Lo’s camp, T.I. allegedly changed lyrics to take some verbal jabs at his rival.

The police weren’t quick enough this time, as Alfamega allegedly assaulted Shawty Lo’s brother before being pepper sprayed and jailed along with Grand Hustle member Big Kuntry.

In the fallout from the incident, both sides chose to blame the other for another Hip-Hop awards show being ruined by unnecessary violence.

“I didn't go and start nothing. If they rewind the cameras, they'll see how it started,” Shawty Lo explained. “I'm a man. I respect every man as a man. If a man disrespects me, what am I supposed to do?”  T.I. needs to contain his people. We're not standing down. I performed my music. I didn't come to start no beef with him.”

Alfamega countered by speculating that the months of feuding stems from Shawty Lo being jealous of T.I.’s success.

“I think [Lo] feels like he ain't getting his just due,” Alfamega stated. “I can understand, but God will give you blessings, and your blessings might not as be as big as the next man. Be thankful for what you got… I'm embarrassed by the whole situation.”

Since the incident Shawty Lo has made several videos speaking on the matter, and it appears this feud will continue well into 2009.