Paper Trail - T.I.

So, if you didn't know this already, T.I. has been sentenced to a year and a day for weapons and possession charges. But, ever since the trial began, things couldn't be better for the self-proclaimed "King of the South."

First, T.I. has become MTV's favorite criminal defendant since Snoop Dogg showed up to present at the '93 Video Music Awards. Remeber when the entire LAPD was looking for him ... in New York? By the way, MTV just stood by and let that happen. Either the most irresponsible or action in the network's history. But, how Jim? "T.I.'s Road to Redemption," or "T.I's Attempt to Moralize His Felony" allowed him to get more face time and to play new songs off of the new album.

Second, Paper Trail achieved platinum status, garnered a Best Rap Album nom at the Grammys, and received a favorable critical response. But this is not the T.I. that I knew in high school. I remember hearing the opening for "What You Know" and thought this dude was legitimate. Oh, if things could be the same. Some of the songs on this album gave me that familiar feeling of nostalgic awe, but the others weren't even worth the listen.

Paper Trail is a work of manic depression. It sometimes hits high points, but often sinks into mopey, macabre songs lacking luster. The high points are the when T.I. is rapping like the persona that made him famous. "Swagga Like Us" is a Tour de Force of collaboration. How could a T.I. song featuring Kanye, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne over an M.I.A. loop NOT be anything but the best rap track of '08? But, you may be more familiar with two other songs in particular. How could you not? They have been playing nonstop on every pop and hip-hop radio station for the past six months!

I think I heard both "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" 47 times in a row back-to-back in the White Building's Weight Room. Seriously, ease off with those two songs, B109 State College, or I will have to rip off my ears. First, I don't really think "Whatever You Like" is a bad song. Is it great? Not really, but it's OK. The beat is kind of insipid and T.I. almost sounds like a pedophile, but it's OK. Seriously, though: Did he call himself "Sugar daddy"? Honestly, Mr. Harris, you are how old? Like 28? Come on! You're still a young bul in my book. Now 30 is old, but I digress. But, I like "Live Your Life." Who would have thought a song that samples "Numa Numa" would become a No. 1 single? Once more, T.I. gives a shout out to the troops in his introduction. I don't know what a song with lyrics about making it and trashing your critics has to do with American soldiers, but it was a nice touch.

But, now I'm going to give T.I.P. a reason to hate me: I'm going to hate on him. Sorry, but there is nothing more dull than tracks like "Slideshow" and "My Life Your Entertainment." Even the industry's golden boy, Justin Timberlake, cannot save "Dead and Gone." I understand that T.I. must have been wistful and reflective during house arrest when writing lyrics for the album (T.I. usually does not write his lyrics at all), but you cannot listen to all of these songs without getting bored. I hope T.I. does the changes he's been preaching to himself and to others (including me: the white, suburban college student who has never even held a gun). If not, all that hot air will contribute to melting glaciers.

This album would have been so much better if T.I. would have kept only one or two of the half-dozen songs that talk about prison or past mistakes. It's not that the content wasn't of value, it's just that T.I. doesn't convey the same sincere emotions as someone like Eminem does. When Em talks about Hailie, I believe. When T.I. does it, I don't. I actually hope he doesn't change too much after he gets out. I would rather have Rubber Band Man that's wild like the Taliban than a straight-edge, ex-con who's just not that fun to listen to anymore.

2/5