Review Roundup: T.I. - 'Paper Trail'
T.I.’s sixth studio album Paper Trail arrives in stores and online today. Find out what the critics are saying…
Entertainment Weekly: Despite his often earnest lyrics, the radio-friendly party anthems, flirty come-ons, collaborations with A-list pals (Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Justin Timberlake), and outstanding production prove this beleaguered bad boy still knows how to have a good time. B+
Rolling Stone: On Paper Trail, T.I. mostly dispenses with the Tupac-wannabe gangsta-confessor pretensions to deliver catchy, tight, bombastic pop-rap alongside a who’s-who of megastar guests (Rihanna, Usher, Lil Wayne).
3 out of 5
USA Today: He takes a defiant stand on “No Matter What,” turns on the charm on “Whatever You Like,” and is at ease with fellow heavyweights Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West on “Swagga Like Us.” Longtime rival Ludacris joins him “On Top of the World,” burying the hatchet and reminiscing about their respective scrabbles out of poverty. 3 1/2 out of 5
Newsday: His poppier songs are generally smooth and charming—amplified by such guests as John Legend on the laid-back, soulful “Slide Show” or Rihanna on the danceable, esteem-building “Live Your Life,” a rare surefire smash in these uncertain economic times—and his crime-oriented songs sound relentless and nearly punishing. B
Rap-Up’s Favorite Tracks: “Live Your Life,” “My Life Your Entertainment,” “Swagga Like Us,” “Dead and Gone”