On Sept. 30, Bankhead superstar T.I. released his sixth studio album appropriately titled "Paper Trail." Known throughout the rap world as the ‘King of the South’, the Atlanta-born rapper has much to get off his chest in his latest offering. It’s been a tumultuous twelve months for the man affectionately known as Tip – last summer he was arrested on federal weapons charges the night of his headlining BET Awards performance here in Atlanta. Also last summer, T.I. saw the miscarriage of his second daughter with his longtime girlfriend Tameka ‘Tiny’ Cottle.

On top of these difficult times, other Atlanta artists (well really just one ATL artist, known commonly as Shawty Lo) began taking lyrical shots at the King while he was serving federal time on house arrest. All of these difficult circumstances around T.I. helped him to create the diamond that is "Paper Trail," which was recorded mostly at his home studio while on house arrest. Another interesting tid-bit about the album is that it was the first, since his debut, "I’m Serious," that Tip actually wrote his lyrics down on paper, hence the name of the CD.

Sonically, "Paper Trail" aims at putting T.I. back atop the 'rap food-chain' he once dominated. His intricate wordplay is complemented by stellar production from the likes of DJ Toomp, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz and others. The first single, “Whats Up, What’s Haapnin," released earlier this summer, feels like a typical ATL heater, complemented by Tip’s superior flow and cadence. “Whatever You Like” is also a favorite, a lady-pleaser that the fellas won’t mind bopping to. “My Life Your Entertainment” is an introspective track which features a masterful hook performed by Atlanta crooner Usher.

T.I. also took the time to secure a pop hit as well, enlisting megastar Rihanna for the chorus on a song called “Live Your Life” producted by Just Blaze. Other notable tracks include “Swing Ya Rag,” featuring Swizz Beatz, “Every Chance I Get” and the inescapable “Swagga Like Us,” with Kanye, Weezy and Jay-Z all along for the ride.

All in all, T.I. leaves an awesome trail for his fans to follow.

Published: October 9, 2008 08:25 PM