CINCINNATI —  A man convicted of killing a friend and assistant of T.I. has been sentenced to 66 years to life in prison.

A jury in Cincinnati last month convicted 34-year-old Hosea Thomas of murder, felonious assault and illegally having a gun after a felony conviction.

Philant Johnson died in May 2006 during a running gun battle on Interstate 75 that followed a T.I. concert in Cincinnati. Three others were injured.

The rap star, whose real name is Clifford Harris, took the stand during Thomas' trial and said he believed the shots fired at his entourage were really meant for him.

The Grammy-winning rapper was not hurt.

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