Listen: T.I.’s Paper Trail, plus Grand Hustle takes over
September 23rd, 2008 by Rodney Carmichael in Music news
BET.com is currently streaming T.I.’s full album, Paper Trail, scheduled for release next Tuesday, September 30. Click here to listen — it probably won’t be up for long.
First impressions…
The album might represent his biggest push for pop recognition since his 2001 debut, I’m Serious. Featured artists include Usher, Rihanna and John Legend. If anything, it proves T.I. is eager to capitalize on the heightened media exposure his criminal exploits have afforded him. His recent performance at the 2008 MTV VMAs is a direct result.
On standout track “Ready for Whatever” he offers up the closest thing to an explanation for being loaded down with enough automatic weapons to catch fed time after being arrested on that fateful day last October.
“On the streets it’s people who won’t rest unless I rest in peace,” he raps. “But I’m wrong and I know it/my excuse is unimportant/I’m just trying to let you know I ain’t think I had a choice.”
Paper Trail track listing:
1) “56 Bars”
2) “I’m Illy”
3) “Ready for Whatever”
4) “On Top of the World” feat. Ludacris
5) “Live Your Life” feat. Rihanna
6) “Whatever You Like”
7) “No Matter What”
8) “My Life Your Entertainment” feat. Usher
9) “Porn Star”
10) “Swing Ya Rag” feat. Swizz Beatz
11) “What Up, What’s Haapnin’”
12) “Every Chance I Get”
13) “Swagga Like Us” feat. Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z
14) “Slide Show” feat. John Legend
15) “You Ain’t Missin’” Nothing”
16) “Dead and Gone” feat. Justin Timberlake
This weekend in Atlanta, T.I’s Grand Hustle Entertainment celebrates his upcoming release with “The Takeover.” Here’s a partial schedule of events:
Fri., Sept. 26
Grand Hustle Comedy Show feat. Duval at the 14th Street Playhouse, 174 14th Street. 404-733-5740.
Sat., Sept. 27
2 p.m.-6 p.m. — Grand Hustle Family Skate Day at Cascade Family Skating, 3335 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. 404-659-9559.
8 p.m.-2 a.m. — Black Tie Birthday Soiree (invitation only/private location)
Sun., Sept. 28
12 p.m.-4 p.m. — The “Power Brunch” hosted by T.I., Jason Geter, and Kevin Liles with awareness surrounding the It’s Cool to be Smart Foundation
Sunday Night
Official pre-album release party for T.I. (Paper Trail) and Big Kuntry (My Turn To Eat) at the Velvet Room, 3378 Chamblee Tucker Rd. 404-874-4460.
September 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
And in case you didn’t catch it, dude actually rhymes “unimportant” with “choice.” That deserves kudos, no?