Updated 05/26/09 3:25 p.m.

T.I. made sure he didn't miss his prison check-in by showing up correctional facility early. 

One of Tip's attorneys said that the rapper reported to the low-security federal prison in Forrest Park, Arkansas before his 12 p.m. deadline, according to TMZ.com.

He’s serving a year and a day behind bars for illegallly attempting to buy machine guns and silencers back in 2007. The rapper reportedly spent his last day as a free man surrounded by close family and friends at his home in Georgia.

The New York Daily News reports that T.I. made time for his fans on Sunday night at a farewell party. He thanked everyone in the crowd of 16,000 people for their support and forgiveness, but he had one final request of them.
 
"What I need y'all to do is pray for me while I'm gone," he told the sellout crowd. “I’ll see y’all in a 366 days.”
 
T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., was formally sentenced to jail at the end of March, but he was allowed time to honor outstanding commitments. The length of his sentence was set by an experimental plea deal. The 366-day prison term is remarkable because it may allow him to be released early.
 
Contrary to previous reports, T.I. will be spending more than two months in jail, according to MTV News. However, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia said that the rapper may get up to 55 days shaved from his term for good behavior.
 
Tip has already served a year of house arrest and 1,500 of community service.  He’s also paid $100,300 in fines. 
 
His recent request to serve his prison sentence closer to Atlanta was denied.

-- Sonya Eskridge

Here’s more:
T.I. sentenced to jail
T.I. says goodbye, preps for prison
T.I. cooks dinner
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