D.D.’s Track By Track Album Review: T.I. – Paper Trail

T.I. is one of the few rappers in the game that stays focused and hasn’t become stagnant (cough..50 cent)  Though legal problems got in TIP’s way this year (he starts a year sentence for gun possession in March 2009), he still continues to run the South!  That is very apparent on his new disc Paper Trail!  A more reflective and dark T.I. is showcased throughout the disc, but the dirty south club tracks still remain.  I love this disc and it is one of best rap albums of the year, Lil’ Wayne definitely has some competition now!  Enjoy My Track By Track Review of Paper Trail…

1. (Intro) 56 Barz: Good way to open an album, shouts out Lupe Fiasco when he says who his top 10 rappers are.   Rating 9/10
2. I’m Illy:  Kinda repeats the intro a lil bit and the beat sounds like i heard it before.  Not feelin’ it!  5/10
3. Ready For Whatever:  Hard & Very Reflective!  Talks About His Arrest, Classic T.I. Record!  9/10
4. Top Of The World (ft. Ludacris): OMG!!!  THIS IS A HIT WAITING TO HAPPEN!! BEST TRACK ON ALBUM. 12/11 
5. Live Your Life (ft. Rihanna):  International Music!! The “Numa Numa” by O-Zone sample is crazy!  And Rihanna Rap/Sings Hard At The End of the Album Version!  11/10
6. Whatever You Like:  T.I. does rap for the ladies better than anyone!!  Currently the #1 Song In The Country.  10/10
7. No Matter What:  T.I. At His Best!  Very Dark, tellin’ us he is still on Top and this track proves he is!  10/10
8. My Life Your Entertainment (ft. Usher):  T.I. rips it, but Usher steals the spotlight on this Great Track!  10/10
9. Porn Star:  The Title is Misleading… Very Sexy Record Though!  9/10
10. Swing Ya Rag:  …all i need to say is SWIZZY!!  T.I. quotes the big tymers in this hott club track!  8/10
11. What’s Up, What’s Happenin:  T.I. tells us what’s up and what’s happening, simple right?!  You’ll be bobbin your head to this one for sure!  8/10
12. Every Chance I Get:  T.I. is Stuntin about literally Everything on this track and DJ Toomp makes the best beats in the South nowadays!!  CLUB RECORD!!  10/10
13. Swagga Like Us (ft. Kanye, Jay-Z, & Lil Wayne):  STAR POWER!!  The Best In The Game Right Now Are All Going At It On This Track!  And It Samples M.I.A.’s Paper Planes!  10/10
14. Slide Show (ft. John Legend):  We are introduced to Clifford Joseph Harris (T.I.’s real name) on this great retrospective track.  And John Legend’s voice is the perfect compliment to this song!  10/10
15. You Ain’t Missin’ Nothing:  I may be wrong, but it sounds like T.I. is writing to himself in Jail at one point!?  Anyhow this is a very heartfelt record about his friends in jail.  9/10
16. Dead N’ Gone (ft. Justin Timberlake):  Not the party record that “My Love” was, this is a very serious record that explores T.I. past mistakes.  And Justin pulls this hip-hop record off very well!  10/10

Overall This Is T.I.’s Best Work over a whole disc!  This is what I’ve been waiting for from T.I.P. since I’m Serious.  He has definitely solidified himself as arguably the best rapper in the game that hasn’t retired yet! Paper Trail In Stores September 30th!!  GO GET IT!!

..Peace & Much Love To Ya..