DALLAS — Hip hop recording artist and actor Clifford Harris, Jr., better known as T.I.P. and formerly as T.I., made a surprise appearance at a local school Monday during a visit to Dallas.
The 35-year-old Grammy Award winner asked to go directly to the community that reflects his roots, preferably a school where the students face challenges that are all too familiar to Harris.
DISD directed him to James Madison High School in Southeast Dallas. With a little more than 450 students enrolled, Madison is the smallest high school in the district.
While talking with students, TIP didn't shy away from his mistakes. He's served two times in county jail for violating parole. In 2009, he was sentenced to one year in a federal prison on weapons charges.
His message to children, "hold yourself accountable so others won't have to do it for you."
He encouraged the eager students to learn as much as they can from his life.
"The value of an education is my primary focus," he said.
He elaborated by detailing ways to avoid jail time, debt and single parenthood.
"Though you may earn more in whatever field you choose as a career, you will only be as rich as you can count or dream," he said.
Principal Gayle Smith, a group of local alumni and council member Tiffany Young, of District 7, attended his talk to the students.
Among his community work, Harris has worked on Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and formed multiple scholarships.
