Opinion

Rapper T.I. releases sharp 'Paper Trail'

By Justin Christian
Guest Writer
On the westside of Atlanta’s Bankhead Zone 1, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., better known as rapper T.I., recorded his sixth studio album, “Paper Trail.” T.I. delivers another great album to his fans and the hip-hop community.
The album intro starts out with 56 bars of straight rap, no hooks, summing up what has been going on in his life in the past year. The story-telling does not stop there. With each song, T.I. continues to tell not only his story, but also the story of friends, family, and the streets of Atlanta.
The album has great producers such as Timberland and Swizz Beatz. Timberland has worked with artist such as Justin Timberlake and Nelly Fertado. Swizz Beatz is another well known producer who has worked with artist such as Alicia Keys and Eve. T.I. has many tracks featuring other well known artists such as Usher, John Legend, and Rihanna.
One of tracks that people are talking about is called “Swagga Like Us” that features Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. This track has everyone in the hip-hop community trying to develop a swagger like the artists on the track. It just goes to show that T.I.’s mannerisms are not like any other. His style is so unique that people will do whatever it takes to be like him.
This album has brought more attention to T.I. than his previous five albums, possibly because in August, his second single, “Whatever You Like,” was his first No. 1 single. According to IMDb.com, a popular media Web site, his album “Paper Trail” jumped from number 71 to No. 1, in a single week on the Billboard Hot 100 list.
Besides being a music artist, T.I. has also taken on the role of actor as well. T.I. starred in “ATL,” as a young man living with his younger brother and being raised by his uncle, according to Vibe Magazine. The movie covers the course of a school year following him and his friends as they go though ups and downs of being a teenager and the peer pressure surrounding it.
He also starred in “American Gangster” alongside Denzel Washington. He played the role of Frank Lucas’ baseball playing nephew who was trying to decide if he wanted to pursue his dream of professional baseball or follow in his uncle’s footsteps in the cocaine business.
T.I. said that he will continue to act but music continues to be No. 1. In T.I.’s immediate future he will continue to be involved with the youth in the community.
Keith Gardner, senior, is a T.I. fan. Gardner said, “T.I.’s ‘Paper Trail’ album is truly a great album. He has certainly lived up to the hype and anticipation.” Gardner also rated the album, saying, “I would give the album is an 8.5…this is truly a defining album.” When asked if he would take his last $15 to buy this album Gardner answered, “Of course, T.I. is worth it!”