Taking a page from the recently released Lil Wayne, T.I. wrote to fans on his website, addressing his emotional state following his re-incarceration in federal prison. The Atlanta rapper, who began serving his 11-month sentence earlier this week, checked in by penning a message that thanked those for supporting his “Get Back Up” video and helping him find inspiration.

“To all of you who say ‘He should practice what he preaches’ and ‘How could he do something so stupid…AGAIN?’ You’re absolutely right and I couldn’t agree with you more,” wrote an introspective Tip. “But you know what? As history has shown us before, I find my greatest inspiration during my darkest hours.”

The “Got Your Back” MC continued by encouraging fans to support his forthcoming album No Mercy.

“So all fans of music, T.I. or not, should be able to agree that NO MERCY will surely be my best work yet. After all isn’t that what it’s all about?” he continued. “If I never went to prison, never did drugs, never f’ed up again, did everything right and never made great music….would you even care enough to comment on T.I.? Doubt it, so bear that in mind while you jump to your conclusions guys.”

T.I. wrapped up his letter by quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. (“Notice not the comments of your enemies but the silence of your friends”), and shared his love for his supporters through these hard times.

“I’m not concerned with what negative people say more than I am with what positive people don’t. Guess that’s enough for now… Love you all still, whether you still love me or not. REAL TALK!!!”

No Mercy is due December 7 featuring collaborations with Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, The-Dream, Chris Brown, and more.