Rapper T.I. (Getty Images) Opening statements are expected today in a murder trial that will bring a big name in music back to Cincinnati. Rap artist T.I. is expected to testify about what happened the night his personal assistant died.

35-year-old Hosea Thomas is accused of killing Philant Johnson in May of 2006.
The incident apparently started with a fight at a Roselawn club where T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, performed. The fight spilled onto I-75.

Prosecutors say Thomas and his brother, Padron Thomas, started shooting at the van in which T.I. and his entourage were riding. When the gun battle ended at the Seymour Avenue exit, Johnson was dead and four others in the vehicle were hurt. T.I. was not hit.

A jury was selected yesterday. This morning, the jury will visit the crime scene and then opening arguments will take place. T.I. is expected to testify tomorrow.

Padron Thomas faces the same charges as Hosea but a date for his trial has not yet been set.

T.I. has two number one hits on the Billboard charts right now. His duet “Live Your Life” with Rihanna is #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the single “Whatever You Like” is #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay list