One of the architects of "trap" music as we know it, T.I. is the self-proclaimed king of the South. Paper Trail is the 6th studio album from the Atlanta rapper, and it was recorded while he was awaiting a trial for federal weapons charges. Subsequently, many of the songs deal with emotions like fear, as well as guilt. T.I. enlists an elite group of producers—Kanye West, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, Danja, to name a few—to curate a 808s & synths-heavy backdrop, and he unleashes his lyrical prowess (he's also often referred to as the Jay-Z of the South) over the hard-hitting & bouncy beats. His bars are tight, and his knack for melody is also showcased on some of the biggest tracks on the album, i.g. "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life." And then there are the features. Huge features. Rihanna takes "Live Your Life" to the next level, giving T.I.'s trap sound a huge pop push, and on "Dead and Gone," Justin Timberlake's crooning sits beautifully next to the rapper's spitfire verses. "Swagga Like Us" is also an easy pick, and "Swing Ya Rag" has certainly popped off dancefloors.

• includes printed inner sleeves
• includes mp3 download code
• music label: Grand Hustle 2008 / 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 11/18