QUICK TAKES - March 26, 2009

When T.I. is sentenced this week on federal weapons charges, he is likely to spend about a year in prison just as his career is at its peak: His latest album, “Paper Trail,” has sold almost 2 million copies, charted two smash No. 1 songs, and a third with Justin Timberlake is near the top of the charts.

The 28-year-old father of five, whose real name is Clifford Harris, pleaded guilty a year ago to federal weapons charges and was sentenced to one year in prison. To avoid a lengthy sentence, he also agreed to complete 1,000 hours of community service, warning youths about the pitfalls of living a hustler’s life.

Since his plea, T.I. has dedicated himself to working with kids. Along with his community service, he was part of a major voting campaign and has an MTV reality show, “Road to Redemption,” to scare teens straight.

All of T.I.’s recent good deeds will likely be considered during his sentencing hearing Friday in Atlanta. He will have between 30 and 60 days to report to prison after his sentencing. He could be let out early February 2010, assuming he gets time off for good behavior.