D
(DC)
New member
T.I. and his latest album “Paper Trail”, A review and analysis.
Intro:
If you haven’t picked up this album, it’s about time. I’m surprised I waited so long on it… it was very unfortunate that I didn’t get to it sooner. For starters, Paper Trail is definitely T.I.’s most successful project to date.
Combine the media attention for receiving jail time on serious charges, as well a line up of hit songs that are danceable, fun, and relatable to everyone (i.e. “Live Your Life” “Dead and Gone”) Paper Trail was legitimized as an album for the street, which we know is very important for hip-hop music ( songs like: “What up, What’s Happenin”), as well as an album for the popular music crowd ( such as: “Whatever You Like”) with superstar appearances from Rihanna, Usher, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Justin Timberlake.
General Impression:
Overall Album Rating: 4/5
Track List and Personal Notes (feel free to ignore if you don’t want a SPOILER):
2. I’m Illy – Ok, NOW the album has started! “Rebel for the hell of it, hella rich, never have to sell a brick again.” Choral lines in the back follow a similar progression, while the tribal/island vibe percussion keeps it original.
3. Ready for Whatever – T.I. talks deep. He mentions the gun charges against him as he justifies his need to be able to protect himself especially after one of his crew was fatally shot dead after a club fight broke out.
“Either die or go to jail, now that’s a hell of a decision, but im wrong and my excuse is unimportant, but I’m just trying to let you know I didn’t think I had a choice.”
4. On Top of the World - What genre does this song belong to? Southern drums, west coast synthin, pop arps bangin off like “it’s britney bitch” and of course T.I.’s unmistakable drawl. B.O.B comes through with a big chorus line, and Ludacris drop machine gun funk speed lines.
“Orderin’ singaporin’ lobster, celebrating coming from nothing to winnin grammys and rappers winning Oscars, and they say rappers shouldn’t rap, Naw suckas! We see Samuel Jackson like: Whatsup Motha****a!?”
5. Life Your Life – This track takes materialism, commercialism, and the basic concepts of being a sold Rapper… and flips it. Great track, you’ve definitely heard it already and Rihanna hits the chorus beautifully.
“Life Your Life, Instead of Chasing that Paper, Just Live Your Life, Ain’t Got No Time for no Haters.”
6. Whatever You Like – Although it comes right after Live Your Life, this track seems to head another direction. This one’s all about money, being a sugar daddy and all that good ****. Chicks dig it, and dudes dig it ‘cuz chicks dance to it. I won’t tell you how many times this has been requested when I’m DJing. FUHGET ABOUT IT!
7. No Matter What – Regardless of what you want to say, T.I. claims his throne with this track. An “almost” sad sounding chorus makes this a song not only about T.I. being the greatest “no matter what”, but also persevering and chasing dreams “no matter what”.
8. My Life, Your Entertainment – “You watch it, while I live it.” T.I. and Usher work together and talk about their unique position of acquiring so much fame. Another dance groove chorus, with an RnB touch. What can I say, usher is a mother****er.
9. Porn Star – For Girls. Say more? A little too cliché in my opinion, though the breakdown with the “Porn Star” lyric is creative.
10. Swing Ya Rag – T.I. on a classic Swizz Beat rhythm. Dance **** bwooooy.
11. What up, What’s Happenin? – Personally, I feel like the two prior songs should have been omitted and jumped directly to this. Chorus is the catchiest thing you’ve heard this side of the Mason Dixon. Whichever that is. What up, What’s Happenin? T.I. is making hits, that’s what.
12. Every Chance I Get – Feel good track, and horns in the back keep it upbeat all the way. Decent song.
13. Swagga Like Us- Using heavy sampling from MIA’s Paper Planes, this song has help fuel the entire “Swagger” as a slang movement. Featuring Kanye West and Jay-Z as well. Huge song.
14. Slideshow – One of the nicer songs on the album. Had a feel that the other songs just didn’t. Reminscent, emotional, intelligent… essentially T.I. at his best. John Legend kills the chorus. I feel deep on this one.
15. You Ain’t Missin Nothing – Absolutely the best song T.I. has on this album as far as inspirational lyrics. A song for someone you know doing time. Make sure they get this song, it will give them something to ride on. Top work.
16. Dead and Gone – The last song on the album, and probably the most well known song from this project. Featuring a riveting back and forth chorus between T.I. and Justin Timberlake. You know what this song is about, no denying it.
