Rappers & Jail = Cha-Ching

Before his prison sentence starts next year, T.I. wants to knock down his image as a rapper who glorifies the street life.

Perhaps nowhere is that illustrated better than on his new album "Paper Trail," which comes out on Tuesday. Fans won't find any boasts about his days as a hustler or portrayals of himself as a dangerous gangster. Instead, the 28-year-old father of five offers songs about taking responsibility for his mistakes and learning from his criminal past. And tracks that do mention crime do so in a cautionary tone.

"To specifically talk about guns and drugs in that fashion, I won't be able to do that because it's not a part of my life anymore," says the best-selling rapper, who is known for hits such as "Rubberband Man" and "U Don't Know Me."

Isn't it interesting how these rappers and hip-hop acts get MORE work when they have a criminal record?

We are in the wrong business!