As part of a guest spot with The Koalition, I recently contributed my thoughts on T.I.’s Paperwork album, under the “First Impressions” guideline of penning thoughts off the strength of one listen, highlighting standouts and flaws alike. Check out my First Impression thoughts below and those of Ed Mason and Joe Hova here.

R.I.P. T.I.  Long live Clifford Harris.

To say my expectations were low for the artist, formerly known as T.I.P., with Paperwork – The Motion Picture, his first studio album on Columbia Records (ninth solo overall) would be an understatement.  Not one single released, from the catchy “About The Money” predictably featuring hip hop’s trendy Mr. Bojangles, Young Thug, to getting washed by label signee Iggy Azalea on the otherwise laughably pop abomination “No Mediocre”, Harris continued to lose weight, suffering from Larry Holmes Syndrome.

Paperwork stands as a microcosm of the flux T.I. has been in musically since he was captured and arrested on federal weapons charges.  As an artist, growth is the goal, but while maintaining a sense of self.  T.I. rhyming on the plights facing blacks on American soil is a nice, sentimental touch; a double-time flow over a tribal instrumental with Skylar Grey on chorus duties is not.  The dual set “On Doe, On Phil” and “Light Em Up”, in dedication to fallen comrade Doe B, are reflective notes on the consequences of the lifestyle trappers turned rappers attempt to leave behind in pursuit of greater heights.  Even the bonus cut “I Don’t Know”, which features a contemplative T.I. musing on his family, his actions in the streets and the lasting effects on them.

The aforementioned records is the type of music I would expect from an artist in T.I.’s predicament.  Tip has been far removed from the trap for years, but Paperwork only emphasizes the restricted, more reserved T.I., handcuffed by his turbulent past.  Once proclaimed the “Jay-Z of the South”, T.I. finds himself following in Jay-Z’s footsteps of the next artist to maintain his longevity off the back of.  Fifteen songs on the standard version (eighteen on the deluxe) and only one track (with an additional bonus cut) amongst the collective features the man of the hour alone.  With the foundation of the album being handled by producers Pharrell and longtime collaborator DJ Toomp, Paperwork has its peaks and valleys as T.I. struggles with what persona he will adopt towards the twilight of his career.

Favorite Track(s): “About My Issue”, “I Don’t Know”, “King”, “Light Em Up”, “On Doe, On Phil”