T.I. Pens ‘Thank You’ Letter To Fans, Announces New Single

With his prison release date less than six months away, rapper T.I. has penned a letter thanking his supporters and announced plans to release a new single in the coming weeks.

The Atlanta native, who is currently serving a one-year sentence in prison for probation violation, reached out to his friends and fans via his website. "I'd like to thank you all for the thousands of letters, cards, books, pictures and words of encouragement," he wrote. "I'm truly grateful. I'm sure you already know I'm nearing the end of this chapter of my life, and looking forward to taking all of the things I've learned with me while leaving all the rest of the 'BS' behind. I've been tuned in somewhat to what's been happening out there.

"I can't even begin to tell y'all how much being on the outside looking in, having to witness all that's going on (and not going on) in the game affects me. Not being able to do what I love especially. It's like a whole other sentence within itself. But I really do appreciate all the love, respect, shout outs and salutations during this very difficult period in my life. Everybody from da homies Weezy, Killa Mike, R. Rozay my lil bruh B.o.B, Terrence J (106 & Park) and my 'durty' Nelly. Regardless of whether the gestures were the greatest or the smallest, they still meant the world to me."

Tip also noted that the main thing he dislikes about being locked up is not being able to work on his music. The 30-year-old released his album, 'No Mercy,' just before starting what became a second consecutive one-year sentence. Being behind bars didn't allow the rapper much time to promote the record, which only sold 500,000 copies as of January, a number that pales in comparison to his previous album, 'Paper Trail,' which has been certified double platinum.

"I'll be releasing a record in the near future (couple of weeks tops) to hold y'all over til I get back in action," he wrote. "During this time of seclusion I have developed a mind full of thoughts, ideas, plans and strategies of change to incorporate into my professional endeavors, as well as my personal lifestyle. But none of them is as strong as my determination to conquer my own imperfections and my will to WIN NO MATTER WHAT!!!"

As previously, reported T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., was arrested for a traffic violation in September of last year. Upon further investigation, police uncovered ecstasy pills in his Mercedes Maybach and arrested him and his wife, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle. The bust sent the Grand Hustle CEO back to Forrest City Prison in Arkansas. He previously completed a one-year sentence in 2009, for a weapons possessions charge. He is scheduled to be released September 29.