Paperwork
Just in case you thought actor/novelist/reality-TV star/hip-hop kingpin T.I. might be slowing down, his ninth album is his biggest yet. *Paperwork* is the first in a planned trilogy; it\'s executive-produced by Pharrell Williams and features a GRAMMY® ceremony\'s worth of guests. As sleek as a Maybach, the production is a mix of classic and cutting edge, from the flashy soul of the Pharrell-produced title track to the bumping ratchet of DJ Mustard\'s \"No Mediocre.\" Tip\'s skills are in full effect on \"New National Anthem,\" where he spits a rapid-fire critique of current events over a wild, bumping beat.
Paperwork is T.I's ninth album as well as the first installment of a promised "trilogy," an imposing prospect for a rapper whose career peak is eight years in his rearview. But the album, featuring Pharrell, Usher, Iggy Azalea, Chris Brown, and others, feels fired up instead of tired and muddled.
There are moments on Paperwork where rapper T.I. sounds as vital, bright, infectious, and tuneful as Nas in his prime, but don't get it twisted, as this vibrant effort is often so pop that it is more like an Illmatic aimed at taking on the chart dominance of Iggy Azalea and not the gang violence in Queensbridge.
TI’s ninth album features some surprises amid the catchy, ho-ridden singles, writes <strong>Kitty Empire</strong>