“Ready For Whatever” - Review of T.I’s Paper Trail
ALBUM REVIEWS By MZ on September 30, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Sometimes it takes almost losing everything for one to come to their senses and appreciate what they have. With the events that took place last year in his hometown, the days were looking numbered for T.I. in all facets of his life as he faced the possibility of major jail time after coming off an album that achieved commercial success despite the lack of critical acclaim. Faced with the decision to shape up and get things in order or let his own doings be his downfall, the self-proclaimed “King of the South” chose the former as he put his thoughts to paper. Filled with equal parts of honesty and bravado, T.I. and T.I.P. give way to Clifford Harris as he leaves a Paper Trail for listeners to follow as he seeks to reclaim his throne.
Backed by Sunday morning organs on “No Matter What,” T.I. pens another psalm for the Book of Thugs as he musters the strength to face obstacles that would cause lesser men to stumble. While taking full responsibility for his actions, songs like “Ready For Whatever” and the Usher featured “My Life, Your Entertainment” give us a look into why he felt justified in the first place. Both tracks look beyond the glitz and glamour of fame and give a glimpse into the mindset of someone that the limelight shined a little too bright on. Sonically the songs are different as night and day as T.I. makes sure his entire fan base understands his stance. “Ready For Whatever” is dark and brash with heavy bass and guitar riffs, while “My Life, Your Entertainment” is fueled by upbeat hi-hats, light synths, and organs.
After taking potshots from a certain D4L cat all summer, T.I. puts on the full court press as he throws jabs at him throughout the album, culminating in “What Up, What’s Haapnin” as Drumma Boy whips up one his signature A-Town anthems for him to come through for the final uppercut. Riding a wave of rolling drums and trumpets, T.I. goes in while making it seem like he wasn’t even trying. Tying up all loose ends on the beef tip, “On Top Of The World” finds Ludacris stopping by to celebrate the spoils of success. “You Ain’t Missin Nothin” allows T.I. to once again reflect as he sends an audio kite of support to those locked up. The track alone shows that it’s truly water under the bridge between the two, as it borrows heavily from Luda’s “Do Your Time” thematically.
A majority of the backdrops are understated, yet layered which allows T.I. to take center stage, as they complement his words instead of competing for the listeners attention. The production is consistent throughout as the grave material and intentional radio singles blend seamlessly. Filler like “Live Your Life,” “Porn Star,” and “Whatever You Like” don’t sound out of place thanks to the album sequencing, when he does decide to delve outside of his personal issues.
Maybe it had to do with him wanting to get his message out clearly, but outside of flashes like on his second verse on “No Matter What” and his verse on “Swagger Like Us,” rarely does he wow you on the mic. It’s a testament to his charisma and willingness to go into detail that he’s able to keep listeners engaged. Due to the circumstances surrounding album, Paper Trail can be seen as Trap Muzik 2.0 as he puts one chapter of his life up for evaluation to decide what path he’ll traverse next. As most will agree, legal trouble may not be good for Clifford Harris, but it certainly puts a jolt into the music of T.I.
Paper Trail hits store today, 9.30.08.
Previously Posted — Rich By Popular Demand… | T.I. - “What’s Up, What’s Haapnin” Video | T.I. - “Whatever You Like” Video | “Kings On The Set…”
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL — Tags: Album Review, Paper Trail, Rihanna, T.I.
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44 Comments
WILLIE THE KID - ABSOLUTE GREATNESS = ABSOFUCKINLUTELY GREAT
CAN SOMEONE PLEAAAAAASE LINK
jaycee - eargasm 1 2 and 3
PLEAASEEE
the album is pretty sick, great review
Album soared above my expectations & might knock one or two of his previously albums down a notch or two in terms of ranking his catalog.
What up? What’s Happenin?
Solid review MZ.
Filler like “Live Your Life,” “Porn Star,” and “Whatever You Like” don’t sound out of place thanks to the album sequencing, =====================================================
Great point (though I actually dig “Live Your Life”. Justin merked that track). The weaker songs are so strategically placed that they didn’t really weigh the album down. It ain’t touchin “Trap Muzik” but IMO, it’s better than “King” & “T.I. Vs. T.I.P.”.
P.S. - Wish You Would > On Top Of The World
1. Trap Muzik
2. Paper Trail
3. King
4. Urban Legend
5. I’m Serious
After his last album, I kinda felt this was lack lackluster…He played it safe….Time to raise the bar Clifford.
Filler like “Live Your Life,”
===================
roffles. that’s the tightest song on the album
I like all of those songs that I called filler, but they’re definately 2nd tier songs and stray away from his personal situation.
Live Your Life had Rihanna on it, Dead & Gone had Justin which is sick, but I didn’t want to name every song on the album.
It’s his second best album.
1. Trap Muzik
2. Paper Trail
3. King
4. Urban Legend
5. I’m Serious
=======================================================
n. T.I. vs. T.I.P (no number is set becaue it’ll still be his worst regardless of how many more he puts out.
Why do all the critics shit on Urban Legend? There’s some heat on that mugg. “Motivation”, “You Don’t Know Me”, “Bring Em Out”, “ASAP”, “Freak Though”, “Countdown”, “Stand Up”, etc..
IMO…
1. Trap Muzik
2. Paper Trail
3. Urban Legend
4. T.I. Vs. T.I.P.
5. King
6. I’m Serious
Co-sign
Every song on the album is listenable, to say the least. But you hear “Ready For Whatever” and that sets a tone. “Live Your Life” takes away from that even if it is in the slightest way.
@MZ
“I’m Serious” is his worst album. Aside from a few singles, nothing on there leads you to believe that Tip would be the star he is today. Cats seem to shit on “T.I. VS. T.I.P” (I hate writing that title!). That album is no classic, but “Touchdown” with Marshall is a banger & the Danja produced tracks are amongst Clifford’s best songs. Even the Wyclef produced joints weren’t horrible.
@ Amp
“Touchdown” sucks and even T.I. realized it because if you notice the beat for “My Life, Your Entertainmet” sounds alot like “Touchdown.”
He had to get that bad taste out of his mouth.
@ Amp
I agree with all those listed (so-so on “Stand Up”, anti-crunk Lil’ Jon is never the way to go, and “Countdown” and “ASAP” aren’t exactly heat but whatever) but the ones you didn’t name, like “Get Loose” and that Mannie Fresh template for “And Then What” are so bad they through the album off pretty noticeably. And no one ever talks about the B.G. track.
I’ll admit, “Get Loose” is a horrid song & there are some clunkers but overall, that album put Tip in a position to drop “King” & get all the accolades he recieved. Same with “Vs.” (I refuse to type that full title again.). People view “Vs.” the same way they view “Kingdom Come”.
IThe innernuts are sayin Tip & Kuntry were in NY @ the Virgin Megastore, tellin people to cop their shit. Now that’s grassroots promo if I’ve ever seen it hehe.
The Blueprint 3 tracklist (allegedly)
01. Wake Up New York (Intro)
02. Most Kings
03. Hades (Lucifer Pt. II)
04. Eternal Jewels (ft. Jay Electronica) [prod. by Jay Electronica]
05. Blueprint 3
06. Lucy (ft. Chris Martin)
07. The Audacity of Dope
08. S.L.U. Pt. 2 (ft. Nas, Andre 3000, and Young Jeezy)
09. Election Night (We believe in Obama)
10. Just Memories
11. Apostate (ft. Eminem) [prod. by Eminem]
12. Oasis
13. My Brothers Keeper (ft. Scarface)
14. Brooklyn Lost
15. Weeds & Concrete
16. Without Rain
^ I wish…I’ll believe that Eminem and Jay Electronica when I see it lol
http://rapidshare.com/files/97332997/01_Eargasms__Version_2.0.mp3
http://rapidshare.com/files/93617668/Eargasms.mp3
nice review MZ.
re: BP3 tracklist….that’d be a good look. however, what if Obama loses? that track will be outdated….which i why i believe the whole list is fake.
Solid review, MZ
I was expecting a car wreck w/ the earlier songs that leaked, but (co-signing Amp’s statement) sequencing made all the difference w/ what the so-called filler songs did to the flow of the album…
___________________________________________
04. Eternal Jewels (ft. Jay Electronica) [prod. by Jay Electronica]
say whaaaaaaaaaaat?
is Jay stepping out of his comfort zone?
Rhyming like “Common Sense” perhaps?
I’ll see this duo when I see it….
Also -
w/ the “disappearance” of Jay Elec coinciding w/ his touring, and being co-signed (and possibly prepped and groomed) by some of the established big names, I’m expecting some wild ish when his next wave of songs starts dropping…..whenever that is.
I strongly suggest you buy…but if your affected by the financial crisis like the rest of us…….get it crackin’———–>
PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS - FUN DMC
http://rapidshare.com/files/149557099/People_Under_The_Stairs-Fun_DMC-2008-FTD.zip
I’ll Co-Sign that TC
i enjoyed the album. i liked the song wit john legend.worst song wuz swing ur rag imo
That Live Your Life song is corny as hell. How the hell you gone sample the Numa Numa song? I can’t stand that shit!
best designed album cover i have seen i a while
1. Trap Muzik
2. KING
3. Urban Legend
4. Paper Trail
5. I’m Serious
… T.I. vs. T.I.P. doesn’t count… there was only one real song on that album (”Tell ‘Em I Said That”).
^ That’s just IMO…. all of those albums are better than your average; PERIOD.
That Live Your Life song is corny as hell. How the hell you gone sample the Numa Numa song? I can’t stand that shit!
—
Because it was well done. Trust me, I still smirk when i picture that fat dude wildin’ to that sample on youtube lol.
Review was on point. I thought this album was worth my $9.99 plus s/h.
T.I. vs. T.I.P. doesn’t count… there was only one real song on that album (”Tell ‘Em I Said That”).
======================================
Gotta disagree. “Respect My Hustle” & “Hurt” are standouts that can’t just be dismissed,.
^ agreed. There’s a few in there, esp the last song (title slips me; maybe it’s “my type”). I can listen to that on repeat all day stritcly off the content & meaning of the song.
I think he says it on the ablum but he’s one of those dudes who’s able to channel some of that same energy & focus as Pac when it comes to tell you about his paranoia & life’s pains.
im sittin here listenin to fantastic vol.1…
how sick would slum village have been back then if T3 and Baatin could rap…
does anyone have a download link to Now On - Tomorrow Already?
Gotta disagree. “Respect My Hustle” & “Hurt” are standouts that can’t just be dismissed,.
======================================
Both of those are “good” songs, but I just seem to get tired of them so easy. “Tell ‘Em I Said That” is one of those tracks that you can put on and vibe with every time. Not one of those songs that you just have to be in the mood to listen to IMO.
@ DH
I feel ya, Fam. To each his own. For me though, those last three songs (“Tell ‘Em I Said That”,“Respect My Hustle” & “My Type”) get repeat status. I could put those joints on a loop & not get sick of em’ lol.
What do mean, he is not absolutely off the case for that charge? Hahahaha. I hope he goes to jail, what a dumb ass. Now you wanna be serious about being an artist?
Who said he was totally off the case ‘bellic?
Why ain’t we see you in Belly 2?
um yall are trippin with the shittin on im serious shit um if u recall my nigga has a song on there where he does ride on the devil
And I ain’t walling or nothing
I ain’t like the shit
Well hell I guess ain’t use for me to try to fight
The shit what the business is you God
I been waiting to meet you
And I know I been hearing bout yall
But like the one day I would see you
But why you let dem niggas kill me
you could have done something why you ain’t come down there
And shield me when them niggas started dumping
Then he say excuse thy heat
But I control no hate in
And it coming not from me
Well who coming from Satin
Oh Satin did this excuse me lord
But now my shit list and
I know with all this phi shit you got a A-K
Or a piston grip give me a click of angels whip dem thought loose the goal
And get piston whipped a lot of die I ain’t scared
Who he think he is fuck with Tip
I got a A-K two 45’s bout 50 clip I’m fixto dip
I ain’t borrow shit I’m fixto trip
Put a piston grip and loose thy lip
And then he say two wrong doing make it not a right one a last
Well forgiven me cause
I’m bout to ride out on Lufica ass
And all I need you to do is give me
The strength and lord you know I’m need you
With the shit I’m fixto attempt
I’m fix to bust hell wide open fear don’t control me
and I’m O.G. hell can’t hold me
[
Now ‘Pac and Biggie want ride too
I guess that’s cool sense that muthafucker
The reason yall niggas had to die too
My nigga Bankhead would be alive too
Shawty let ride
It’s 4serious up here dough
Cause we don’t ride we glide
Now I’m strapped and ready folks
But I can’t steam to do a thing
With these wings how I’m supposed to keep them steady folks
With a chopper on back of two 44’s shawty no
A the pain we fixto bring
I don’t thing he even ready for
When it’s on you already know
Farewell bro. mama always told me
I was bad enough to tear hell up
IM doing this for what you made of
From that time you made the bitch eat the apple
to the time you pick your folks
To put us on the boat and enslave us
Worker that never paid us
Killed Malcolm X, Martin Luther King
and everybody else tried to come down here us
Killed my father that raised us
Kidnapped us from our country
Take your distance in our religional way
Well now it’s time for the cadet to busted
We want our spirits and our minds back now
IM getting mines right now
Pussy nigga lye it down I’m walkin
Thought hell kicking the devil doors down
spreading rounds waving cadet rounds
Well I woke up I was lying down shawty
WHAT HAPPENED?
i fucks with yall but yall niggas is trippin im serious is this shit maybe im jus in the kno cuz im from atlanta and i actually listened to it 100x iono but great post
agree 100 with the review. T.I. sounds hungry again. this album made me happy, and proved he still had that fire to make him one of the top. i always like 75% of his albums, but this one was more the closest he has come to touching Trap Muzik. anyway, half asleep wile i am writing, great review fellas.
good. nothing special though. all in all disappointed despite its overall high quality. his last which I think is a bit underrated proved T.I. couldn’t make that perfect rap cd — a Blueprint for instance. as for the writing (a T.I. first) its good at times but not any more engaging than his previous stuff. production all well done, pop music really. toomp will never make a track as hard as “what you know about that”. grade: B.
4 out of 5? You’re not serious?
1. Trap Muzik
2. Urban Legend
3. I’m Serious
4. Paper Trail
5. King
6. T.I. vs. T.I.P.
I still don’t know why cats are feeling King. MZ was talking about rarely getting wow’ed on the mic on this joint well I’m sure you’d be hard pressed to find a super lyrical verse on King. BTW, he KILLED the intro and “I’m Illy” on this album.
someone drop me a link for this…my moneys all stuck in WAMU
How can you guys not like I’m Serious?
That shit is fly, he sounds like a crazy man
agree with the score if not exactly the content
http://jaydonscave.blogspot.com/2008/09/ti-paper-trail-review.html