Crib Notes

sdc10306-1.jpg

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 9

It looked like a Hype Williams’ video set.

“Some of y’all ain’t put on a suit since [my] last court date. So I really do appreciate you going through the trouble.”

With those words of thanks, T.I. kicked off his red carpeted, black-tie birthday celebration at Atlanta’s Biltmore Saturday night. It doubled as an album release party for Paper Trail — perhaps the year’s most anticipated album second to Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III. The invite-only guest list overflowed with Atlanta’s industry elite — all of whom put their own unique spin on the required black-tie wardrobe.

Kenny Burns (see photos) sported a shimmery gold Dolce & Gabbana blazer. “Project Runway” finalist Mychael Knight (see photos) posed with a client wearing his own custom designed dress. Former “America’s Top Model” contestant Toccara showed up in jeans and a black wifebeater.

At times, the scene turned surreal — imagine Amadeus meets American Gangster.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

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.”

(more…)

Bookmark to: