T.I. - Paper Trail

Grand Hustle
Published October 9, 2008  by Josiah Hughes in CD Reviews

Atlanta rapper T.I. experienced a rise to fame in the early 2000s, launching into the public consciousness with his appearance in the movie ATL and his subsequent smash single, “What You Know.” His next album, T.I. vs. T.I.P, continued his ascent, which was derailed last year when he was arrested for attempting to buy three unregistered machine guns in a grocery store parking lot. Now, as he faces a full year in prison, T.I. is unleashing his Paper Trail on the masses. Matching his signature bravado with a newfound lyrical sincerity, T.I.’s rhymes fit well with his thickly layered synths and southern beats. Lead single “Whatever You Like” is all shopping malls and singalongs, while tracks like “No Matter What” take a soulful, introspective turn. Still, it’s the “Numa Numa” sampling, Rihanna-helmed “Live Your Life,” with its addictive melody, affirming rhymes and banging beat, that will blow your mind and saturate the world’s stereos. With top-notch rhymes and addictive, innovative pop structures, T.I. has created an album that will keep him on top while he’s locked up in ’09.



All Content Copyright © Fast Forward Weekly 1995-2011

About Us Contact Us Careers Privacy Policy Terms of Use