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Just one day after the southern rap star celebrated his 29th birthday (see photos), T.I.'s "Paper Trail" official went on sale.
In my personal opinion, this is Tips best album to date. The diverse and high level of production mixed a half-dozen guest appearances by mega-stars and the burning desire for the artist to tell his side of the story (regarding his federal gun case) were the perfect ingredients for a guaranteed multi-platinum outing.
Two words that sum up the themes of this album: Adversity and Diversity.
The majority of the album is dedicated to the self proclaimed King of the South airing out his highly publicized Federal Gun charges and time spent in jail. He goes over how and why he got caught up something so unbelievable when he was seemingly starting to shine brighter than ever.
That method of operation is one we've seen multiple times in the past... as most rappers seem to end up in whirlwind of bull-ish at some point in their careers. What ultimately will make or break the album is how decides to deliver the story. With "Paper Trail" T.I. delivers it with the help of Ludacris, Rihanna, Swizz Beatz, John Legend, Usher, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and B.o.B.
It's hard to fail when you have a line up like that.
Hottest Tracks
The "Swagger Like Us" track feat Kanye West, Jay-z and Lil Wayne has been a viral beast on the internet, demanding multiple remixes from an array of different. Some even feeling slighted by not being asked to be on such a hot track. (see Swagger Like Puff)
Then you have "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna. This song is unquestionably a pleasant surprise. For someone like T.I. who has been typically 'street' for most of his career, this track moved him much futher into pop culture. Track is ultra-melodic but the addition of heavy drums and trademarked 'southern chants' gives the track an edge. But ultimately, Rihanna makes this song.
The two songs that have gotten the most air time than any of the others so far. The first is "No Matter What" which is the first single of the album and was accompanied by an inspirational video that reassured fans that T.I. was in the game and stronger than ever. The other is "What Ever You Like" which shows the King hasn't forgotten how large his female fan base is.
Sleeper Tracks
I would love to see a high energy video for "Swing Ya Rag" feat. Swizz Beatz. This is track that would get the club amped up and may cause a few fights to break out.' If not that one, listen to 'Every Chance I Get' which is the most 'flossy', 'bragadocious' track on the album.
What Sticks Out?
Better lyrics! I don't think anyone ever accused T.I. of being too complex lyrically, and that will probably never happen. However, T.I. did impress me with this album. Not with double entendres, heavy metaphors or similes. He was clever with organization and showed a larger vocabulary. I think "Paper Trail" may appeal more to Jay-Z's audience and less to 'Trap Boys'.
Overall, I give the album 3.75 of 5.00. For as polished as the album was, it wasn't too explorative or creative. I do believe the album is a MUST BUY. When artist puts out a product like this, it deserves some dollars to be thrown at it.
Click here to listen to the T.I. album sampler featuring a 30 second snippet of all 16 songs on the album.
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ADD A COMMENT
This albums is a classic such as songs as you ain't missing nothing! its alot of songs that want have videos but have priceless meaning that the industry will no dare too push! He delivered so many messages in this album its like you walking and talking too him on some songs like jay z did reasonable doubt! Well Thanks T.I. and God Bless!
Posted on Oct-14-2008, 11:39 AM