Rapper T.I. Pleads Guilty To Weapons Charges

US rapper T.I. has been told to expect time in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing federal weapons.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, must first complete at least 1,000 hours of community service while he awaits sentencing.

Harris was arrested last October in Atlanta shortly before he was due to headline the BET Awards.

The rapper, who initially pleaded not guilty, was allegedly trying to buy unregistered machine guns and silencers, reports AP.

Speaking outside the court yesterday, Harris said he would “like to thank God for blessing me with a second chance in life and success.”

"I'm looking forward to turning this negative time in my life into a positive," he said. "I know I have a long road of redemption to travel."

As part of his community service Harris will talk to youth groups about the dangers of guns and drugs.