Chi-Ali, a rapper coming out of the Bronx, was recently released from prison after serving a long 12 year stretch behind bars.  He was originally supposed to serve 14 years, but due to good behavior and the fact that he got his Associates Degree while he was locked up, he managed to get some time knocked off of his sentence.  He began his year and a half run from authorities back in 2000 after being involved in the shooting death of his then girlfriend's brother, Sean Raymond.  He was ultimately apprehended on March 5th, 2001 in the Bronx.

MTV's RapRixLive caught up with Chi Ali for a sit-down interview during which he spoke about the incredible sensation of being a free man once again.

"The feeling is surreal to be back.  My preparation for the bid, I believe, was done [during] the 15 months that I was on the run.  I wasn't technically a fugitive, because it wasn't like I got locked up and jumped bail or anything. When the situation happened, I just left--but I knew what it was. [During] that time I spent a lot of time up and down the East Coast, and I was alone most of the time and that time really helped me prepare.

"I was charged with a homicide, I ended up taking a plea deal and they lessened the charge to manslaughter in the first degree.  I was sentenced to 14 years and I did 12 years out of the 14. I got a little time off for good behavior and I got my Associates degree while I was away so they gave me six months extra time off.

"The feeling is surreal to be back in the free world, to be among my family, kids, wife, parents, siblings...it's a feeling that words can't really describe properly, so I don't think I can do it the proper justice. Being incarcerated is a whole different world--it's a world within itself."

Source: rapfix.mtv.com