T.I. begins prison sentence in Arkansas

T.I. has entered prison in Arkansas to begin his jail sentence for federal weapons charges.

The rapper, real name Clifford Harris, was handed a one year and one day prison term earlier this year after he was arrested for attempting to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers in 2007.

According to E! Online, the 28-year-old entered the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex at around 12.30pm yesterday afternoon. He was driven there in a black van with tinted windows that was escorted by three prison vehicles into the prison grounds.

Five guards were stationed at a roadblock near the facility, while several other officers were drafted in to help control the waiting media and well-wishers.

Harris is reported to be sharing a cell with another inmate at the low security prison and will have to carry out certain chores as part of a work programme.

During his final performance in Atlanta on Sunday night, he told the audience that he would "stand up tall, head up high" and asked for their prayers and support while he is behind bars.