T.I is back with his newest release, T.I. vs. T.I.P., and everybody should be all over it. With every album, it seems that his talent and swagger gets bigger. What made this album dope is the vision behind it. The whole idea that T.I. and his alter ego, T.I.P., are in constant competition with each other over who should be running things is exceptional.
One of the better songs on the 18 track offering is "Help Is Coming." First of all, the production on the track by Just Blaze superb. It begins with the feeling of pandemonium, and T.I's flow is faster than usual, which only adds to the approach. On one line in the song, T.I. poses the question: "How hip-hop dead, if I'm in it? / I'm living and well might I add." This is the slowest part of the song. The man had a point to make. "Watch What You Say To Me" features the incomparable Jay-Z. This is the illicit track that bloggers everywhere are getting all shaky about, because they think it's a diss track towards Lil Wayne, who lately has been feeling a little too big for his britches and supposedly also made a track coming at Hov. At any rate, Hova comes at somebody's head in his usual incognegro manner by implying that "n----s' copy his whole blueprint." Not to mention, he also claims to be able to replace "n----s' daddies." No more needs to be revealed about that one. If you haven't heard it by now, get familar.
"My Swag," featuring Wyclef Jean, is T.I.'s explanation as to why he is so fly. What is it that makes us all want more of him? It's his swag. "When We Touch Down," featuring Eminem, has the two MCs bouncing off each other perfectly -- T.I. with his flow, slowed down slightly on this track, and Em doing his usual battle-like approach. We all know that any time Em is on a guest appearance, he kills it. Think back to The Blueprint's "Renegade" and Fifty's "Patiently Waiting" from Get Rich or Die Trying, just an example.
"We Do This" is a braggadocios track where T.I lists off all of the items he is able to maintain because he is just that fly. It is a good follow up to "My Swag," and is perfectly placed on the album as well.
The album's lead off track and first single, "Big Sh-- Poppin'," is probably a creation of T.I. and not T.I.P. The joint lets T.I. get his floss on, yet again. But it's something about his delivery that does not allow you to become bored with some of the more repetitive braggadocio themes. It's this delivery, clever rhymes and excellent production that keep the album moving. When he makes the claim that being broke is not an option on the hook of of the single, the listener can feel what the man is saying. It's like, "Word, we betta get this money then." That's what a song is supposed to do. Strike a cord within.
What also makes this album unique is that the flow between songs meshes with the interludes. If there is a T.I.P. interlude, then the song would reflect that with the content. T.I.P. is more gangsta as opposed to T.I., who is more laid back and enjoys the finer things in life. Each song reflects these qualities and shift in character. Then there are the interludes where T.I. and T.I.P. face off and argue over who should be running it and why. They are comical and give listeners insight into the inner struggles that T.I. may go through.
"Da Dope Man" is T.I.'s tribute to his hustling days. It's a peek into the psyche of his days in the Trap. This might be T.I.'s reminder to his audience that he still is that same dude who was down in Atlanta hustling and pushing weight.
Overall, the album is well crafted. He puts some time and precise effort into making it that. His confidence in his ability is what will keep your attention as you listen, combined with T.I.'s natural ability to contour his flow on any beat. Enjoy.
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