Rapper T.I.'s longtime girlfriend TAMEKA 'TINY' COTTLE has paid tribute to slain ASHLEY 'AJ' JEWELL after confirming she once dated the reality TV star.
Jewell, who was engaged to Cottle's former Xscape bandmate Kandi Burruss, was killed after suffering serious head injuries following a late night brawl in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this month (Oct09).
In a note of condolence to Jewell's family and Burruss, Cottle tells AllHipHop.com, "I did date him years ago and he was a cool guy.
"AJ was a very sweet person who has been a friend for quite some time and had a lot of positive things taking place in his life for it all to be taken away from him so quickly. (He) will be missed.
"My family and I will continue to keep his family and most of all his children in our prayers. I am praying for my friend Kandi that God gives her the strength to endure. She is a very strong person and I know God will see her through."
Burruss and Jewell appeared together on U.S. show The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
One man has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection to Jewell's death.