T.I. Shows no mercy

T.I. may be back behind bars, but like Lil Wayne, he's not letting that stop him from releasing a new album. The rapper announced Wednesday (Nov. 3) that "No Mercy," his much-anticipated first studio release since 2008's "Paper Trail," will hit stores on Dec. 7. "No Mercy's" lead single, "Get Back Up" featuring Chris Brown, is currently at No. 55 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and No. 25 on Rap Songs. The music video premiered Wednesday evening on BET's "106th and Park." (Billboard)

Despite currently being behind bars, T.I. has released a statement on the album.

"This album represents some of my best work inspired by my most recent best and worst life experiences," stated an introspective Tip. "They say adversity brings forth inspiration so y'all can imagine how inspired I've been during the recording process for this album. I've been taking stock of myself and digesting eveyone's comments and criticisms. Now it's my turn to express myself and take you into my mind. The real won't hate and the truth won't wait! If God is with me who can be against me." (Rap-Up)

The project will reportedly feature collaborations from artists like Kanye West and The-Dream.

No Mercy, originally titled King Uncaged before a recent switch, has seen numerous delays. A tracklist has yet to be revealed, but Atlantic also revealed that Kanye West, Eminem, Chris Brown, The-Dream, and Christina Aguilera will all provide guest vocals. (Entertainment Weekly)

Earlier this week, T.I. turned himself into authorities to begin an 11-month sentence for a probation violation.

T.I. has officially begun his 11-month stint in an Arkansas prison -- law enforcement sources tell TMZ the rapper checked in "sometime this afternoon." A spokesperson for the prison tells us T.I. will go through the normal process -- which means he'll be processed, pose for a prison photo, and will be given a bunk assignment. As for the shower issue -- we're told T.I.'s prison has a community shower situation. We're told T.I. will have access to a television room for general viewing. T.I. will be issued a standard prison uniform -- khaki trousers, khaki button down shirt and black shoes. Inmates at the prison can make phone calls -- but they're limited to 300 minutes per month. (TMZ)