T.I. 'thankful' for lessons learned during prison stint

Rapper T.I. has reached out to fans from his prison cell to express his gratitude for the "knowledge, growth and understanding" he has received during his latest stint behind bars.

The Live Your Life hitmaker, real name Clifford Harris, Jr., is nearing the end of his 10-month sentence for violating his probation and is due to walk free from Arkansas Forrest City Correctional Facility next month (Sep11).

In his last message to devotees before his prison release, T.I. admits he has learned and matured a lot in recent months and, for that, he's grateful.

The post on his website reads: "What up world? This will be my last message from Forrest City. Just reaching out and sending my love, respect and appreciation to all who have been ridin' with me throughout this chapter in my life...

"A lot of people who are aware of all that has happened to me in my life say that there aren't many men who could have endured and withstood so much pain, pressure and turmoil while managing to remain sane and keep their wits about them. I must say that I wouldn't have been able to do so without God's grace and having a strong support system behind me every step of the way.

"So often we spend time acknowledging the presence of 'haters' and all the negativity they send our way but we don't take the time to acknowledge and appreciate all the ones who love and support us and supply us with the positive energy we need to overcome. We complain about the pain so much that we don't even notice how much stronger, wiser and better of a person the suffering has allowed us to become.

"I know this won't be my last battle with adversity but it has truly prepared me for whatever else may come in the future. For that also I'm thankful. Now it goes without saying that I hate I had to come back to prison for these 10 months but I am truly grateful for the knowledge, growth and understanding I've received from the experience."