TRUE DATE CREATED = 27/03/2009

AP Television

Atlanta, Georgia, 27 March 2009

1. Medium shot of T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) walking to podium for news conference after sentencing hearing

2. Wide shot, pan of cameras at news conference and Harris at podium

3. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I have began to close this chapter in my life with, of course, the help and blessings of the US Attorneys and the courts of the US government. I would like to thank all that have helped me throughout my journey, along my journey, including my attorneys. All of the foundations and all of the organizations who have helped me align myself with people who can see to it that I carry out my wishes and my intentions to the best of my ability. Although I am not thrilled about my next year and day, I am pleased that I can begin the process of putting this all behind me."

4. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

5. Close up Harris speaking

6. Medium shot Harris speaking from podium

7. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I know for a fact that I've changed at least five lives, because these are the five or six people I keep in contact with. It's an honor for me to do so. I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people. Young people, old people and people my age as well. So, I appreciate the opportunity."

8. Wide shot exterior of federal courthouse building

9. Close up sign on federal courthouse building

10. Close up, pan from Harris' hand resting on podium to face

11. Wide shot photographer taking picture of Harris

12. SOUNDBITE (English) Clifford Harris/Rapper:

"I think my judgement was altered due to a tragic situation and me living through a hostile attempt on my life. I lost sight of what was important. I had lost sight of the faith that I had in God and how far he'd brought me. I guess I resorted to taking matters into my own hands -- foolishly, to say the least."

13. Wide shot Harris and girlfriend walking from news conference and greeting supporters

RAPPER T.I. SENTENCED

A judge sentenced Rapper T.I. to one year and a day behind bars on federal weapons charges on Friday (27MARCH09.)

The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, entered court smiling as he greeted his lawyers and family members. He wore a dark gray suit and black dress shirt and tie for sentencing.

"Today I would like to say thank you to some, and apologize to all," the rapper told U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell Jr. at the one and a half hour session, which was closed to television cameras.

Harris pleaded guilty last March after he was arrested in 2007, attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers.

The arrest on Oct. 13 of that year occurred blocks from where he was to headline the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta hours later.

He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison.

Harris already has completed about 1,000 hours of community service and has warned youths about the pitfalls of guns, drugs, violence.

He will need to complete 470 additional hours.

"I never looked at myself as a leader, or the leader of a generation. I just looked at myself as a celebrity or an entertainer. This experience has taught me that I have an ability to influence and impact millions of people," Harris said.

At Friday's hearing, former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young spoke on Harris' behalf.

Harris had faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 (USD) fine for each count, until he cut a deal and pleaded guilty last March to the federal weapons charge and was sentenced to one year and a day in prison.

Ed Garland, one of his attorneys, said they are not sure where he will serve his sentence.

Upon his release, Harris is to be placed on three years of supervised release. He also will be credited for 305 days of home detention he already has served and must serve an additional 60 days, authorities said.

Harris agreed to community service to avoid a lengthy sentence. He already has made 262 public appearances as part of that deal.

Much of that work has been done with children.

Harris is one of the co-chief executives of Grand Hustle Records and one of Atlantic Records' most successful artists.

His sixth album, "Paper Trail," has sold nearly two million copies. It also charted two smash No. 1 songs, and a third with Justin Timberlake is near the top of the charts.

T.I. said fear was the reason he tried to buy the guns.

His best friend, Philant Johnson, was killed following a post-performance party in Cincinnati in 2006.

A man was found guilty last year in the murder case.