::RAPPER TI KNOCKS 10 YR SENTENCE DOWN TO 1 YR & 1 DAY::

The three-time Grammy winner was arrested in 2007 hours before the BET awards, and later charged with possession of three unregistered machine guns and two silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Judge Charles Pannell Jr. told the rapper he had more than exceeded the court’s expectations, and he hoped his case would inspire similar plea deals. “I’m resistant to the lockup mentality,” Judge Pannell told the courtroom. “I hope this sentencing leads to other experiments that will protect the community and show a respect for the law.” Tip is scheduled to report to prison voluntarily within the next six to eight weeks. However, the judge acknowledged that the rapper has agreed-upon commitments that will not allow him to enter prison before May 19. Under the plea deal, TI (real name: Clifford Harris) must submit to a number of rigorous requirements after his release from prison. The rapper will be subjected to an audit of his finances, drug counseling, DNA testing and random searches of his property, and he will not be able to own firearms. He will also be under home confinement after his release under the same pre-trial conditions, which included a curfew, permission-only travel and a court-appointed supervisor. A number of supporters spoke before the judge on behalf of TI’s legal team. Bishop Eddie Long said TI “deeply impressed” him, citing the rapper’s moving Easter speech delivered to 30000 of Long’s supporters in Atlanta. Former UN Ambassador Andrew …