Gucci Mane may be following fellow rapper TI back to prison. The hip-hop star was reportedly arrested this week and charged with several traffic violations, including driving without a licence and on the wrong side of the road. Just six months out of jail, Gucci Mane could be sent back for violating his probation.
It has been an unfortunate 18 months for two of hip-hop's biggest names. TI, born Clifford Harris, spent most of 2009 behind bars on weapons charges. He was arrested again two months ago, and although initial drugs charges were dropped, TI was still found in violation of his probation. On Monday, he began an 11-month sentence at Forrest City jail in Arkansas.
Gucci Mane, born Radric Davis, has been imprisoned five times since 2005. His most recent stint lasted from November 2009 until this May. "These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience," he said at the time of his release. "[My] mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated."
However, Gucci Mane was arrested yesterday for damage to government property, obstruction, running a red light, driving on the wrong side of the road, driving without a licence and driving without proof of insurance, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Police reportedly used pepper spray to subdue him, and he has since been transferred to Fulton county jail.
Although both Gucci Mane and TI have enjoyed increased fame over the last two years, their careers have been hampered by run-ins with the law. Gucci Mane was behind bars for the release of 2009's The State vs Radric Davis, and TI's seventh album, now known as No Mercy, has been repeatedly pushed back; it is now due on 7 December.
If Gucci Mane and TI are being forced to spend time outside of the spotlight, at least hip-hop fans have one consolation this week. After nine months, Lil Wayne will be released from Rikers Island prison this Thursday.
