Rapper T.I. used the internet to apologise for missing pal PIMP C's funeral as part of a rambling home movie shot as he celebrated Christmas as a prisoner in his own home.

The Big Things Poppin' (Do It) hitmaker - real name Clifford Harris Jr. - was placed under house arrest last month (Nov07) after being charged with possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

But he didn't let his incarceration stop him from addressing fans and friends at Christmas, posting a festive video online on Christmas Eve (24Dec07).

The scarf-clad rap star was partly incoherent as he told fans his new album is almost 30 per cent complete, and urged them to "keep a smile on your face because I got a smile on mine."

He ended the video message by apologising for missing Pimp C's funeral on 13 December (07), explaining he was under house arrest and could not attend.