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Paper Trail

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This article is about the album. For a definition of the term "paper trail", see the Wiktionary entry paper trail.
Untitled

Paper Trail is the sixth studio album by hip hop artist T.I., released on September 30, 2008. He began to write songs for the album as he awaited trial for federal weapons and possession charges. Unlike his past albums, he wrote his lyrics down on paper, which he had not done since his debut album, I'm Serious.

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 568,000 copies in its first week, becoming T.I.'s best debut sales to date and the fourth highest debut of the year, eventually being certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 27, 2008. It received generally favorable reviews from critics. It has also become T.I.'s most successful and biggest album to date.[1] Four singles were released from the album, all of which reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and two of which reached number one on the same chart. The track "Every Chance I Get" was featured on the promotional trailers for, Armored starring Columbus Short.

Background

On November 13, 2007, while awaiting trial for federal weapons charges against him, T.I. announced he had been writing songs for a new album to be entitled Paper Trail. He wrote his lyrics down on paper, which he had not done since his debut album, I'm Serious.[2] The album highlights his "fear, anger and guilt" as he awaited trial.[3]

The album was scheduled to be released in September 2008, but was subsequently moved up to an August 12 after the release of the promotional and lead single "No Matter What" and high demand of the album. At the time, T.I. said that the first single may have been "Top of the World", originally featuring B.o.B and Kanye West, explaining that the song was "a reflective song about our humble beginnings and how far we've come".[4] The album was pushed back for a release date of September 2, then September 9 and to its final release date of September 30, 2008.[5]

T.I. confirmed that Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Usher and John Legend were set to appear on the album in August 2008.[6] Other confirmed guests were B.o.B, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Ludacris and Swizz Beatz. The album production was contributed by DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy and Just Blaze, as well as Danja, Jim Jonsin, Kanye West and Swizz Beatz.[7]

Songs

"No Matter What"
In the album's first promo single, the song narrates T.I. rising above his misfortunes, including a prison sentence for weapons charges.
"Whatever You Like"
In the first official single, T.I. raps along a beat of lead synthesizers and drum pattern.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

T.I. recorded nearly 100 tracks during the production for the album,[8] including a collaboration with Fall Out Boy on a track entitled "Out in the Cold".[9] However the song was left out of the final cut, but T.I. told MTV that he may add some of the cut tracks to his next album.[10]

The first promo single from the album was "No Matter What". It was posted on StreetCred's website on April 29, 2008, as a promotional recording, then released as a single on May 6 along with a music video.[11] The song narrates T.I. rising above his misfortunes, including a prison sentence for weapon charges.[12]

On August 19, 2008, the first official single "Whatever You Like" was made available for digital download.[11] The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on September 6, 2008 and set a new record for biggest one-week jump to the top position, going from number seventy-one to number one, becoming his first number one song on the chart as a lead artist and best opening-week sales by a rap track since Nielsen SoundScan began compiling download data in 2003.[13] T.I. announced that he was "ecstatic" and "overjoyed" after setting a record for the biggest jump to top of the Billboard Hot 100.[14]

After the success of "Whatever You Like", iTunes published the release dates for upcoming promo singles, including the song "Swing Ya Rag" on August 26, "What Up, What's Haapnin'" on September 2 and "Ready for Whatever" on September 23, 2008.[11]

On August 22, 2008, the songs "Like I Do" featuring The-Dream, "Let My Beat Pound", "My Life Your Entertainment" featuring Usher, and "Swagga Like Us" were all leaked to the internet.[15] "Swagga Like Us", a song with T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Kanye West - which samples "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. - was then released as a single for Paper Trailand debuted in the Hot 100 at number five.[15]

The album's third main single, "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna, broke the record for biggest leap to number one, when it jumped from number eighty to number one on the Hot 100, giving T.I. his second Hot 100 number one as a lead artist, and Rihanna her fifth overall. The song also set a first week digital record, when it sold 334,000 digital downloads in its first week of availability, a record that was previously held by Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body."[16]

The fourth main single was confirmed to be "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake by co-producer Rob Knox.[17] T.I. later confirmed the release of the single.[18] The song was charted by Billboard before the announcement of the single. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 27, 2009.[19]

Overall, eight songs from the album charted on the Billboard Hot 100 including the four main singles, "56 Bars (Intro)", "I'm Illy", "Ready for Whatever", and "My Life Your Entertainment" despite not being singles and a music video was released for the song "Slide Show" which highlighted a photo collage that followed T.I.'s career as a recording artist.

Paper Trail: Case Closed

The re-release issue of Paper Trail was scheduled to be released on August 18, 2009,[20] and would contain five new songs.[21] The release was tentatively titled Paper Trail: Case Closed.[22] T.I. stated that "Like I Do" featuring The-Dream and "My Dear" featuring Ciara were two possible tracks.[23] Rob Knox, the co-producer of "Dead and Gone", was first to announce the re-release. Knox also said that the first single off the re-release would be another song produced by himself and Justin Timberlake.[17]

The first single was released on May 14, 2009 as "Don't Forget" which featured a chorus sung by Mary J. Blige. The final version was released on May 26, 2009, titled "Remember Me".[24] A video was filmed before his prison sentence by Erik White.[25] T.I. stated two other possible song choices including the collaboration with Fall Out Boy entitled "Out in the Cold" and the original version of "On Top of the World" with Kanye West instead of Ludacris.[26] A video for "Hell of a Life" was shot and was to be featured on the re-release.[27] Another song titled "The Way You Want It" was confirmed to be added to the re-release.[28] The final version of "Hell of a Life" was released on October 1, 2009, an accompanying music video was released on October 5, 2009.[29] The music video reflects T.I.'s career and narrates the final 24 hours before beginning his sentence for illegal weapons.[30]

On July 14, 2009, a spokesperson for Atlantic Records told MTV that the re-release was shelved indefinitely and the additional songs will be released digitally.[31] In July 2009, an EP was released in the UK titled Paper Trail: Case Closed EP and featured original Paper Trail singles, "Remember Me" and "Hell of a Life".[32]

Track list

  1. Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)
  2. Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake)
  3. Whatever You Like
  4. Remember Me (feat. Mary J. Blige)
  5. Hell of a Life

Reception

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[33]
Blender[34]
Entertainment Weekly(B+)[35]
MSN Music(A-)[36]
Newsday(B)[37]
Pitchfork Media(6.2/10)[38]
Rolling Stone[39]
Slant Magazine[40]
Vibe(favorable)[41]
USA Today[42]

Reviews for the album were generally favorable. Several writers praised the production on the album; Andy Kellman of Allmusic noted that DJ Toomp's and Danja's production appearance provided "some much needed punch", which placed the album above T.I.'s previous album, T.I. vs. T.I.P..[33] Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly said that the "outstanding production" proved that T.I. "still knows how to have a good time".[35] Wilson McBee of Slant Magazine called the songs produced by Toomp the "vintage T.I.", describing the sound as "ecstasies of sweltering synth lines, ground-shaking 808 patterns and breathless verbalizing".[40]

McBee of Slant Magazine felt that the songs that were directly about T.I.'s prison sentence for weapons charges ("No Matter What", "Ready for Whatever") were among the weakest on the album, saying that "admitting guilt, making excuses and expressing no regrets falls flat".[40] Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone called the songs "mostly dispenses with the Tupac-wannabe gangsta-confessor pretensions to deliver catchy, tight, bombastic pop-rap alongside a who's-who of megastar guests", saying that T.I. was a "well-oiled hit machine who's more fun than deep".[39]

Michael Saba of Paste said that, "Even with the burden of sloppy crossover tracks, Paper Trail has enough standout moments for T.I.’s throne to remain secure for now."[43] About.com said that, "Regardless of the outcome of reality, Paper Trail is a solid combination of rhyme, repentance, swagger and substance."[44] People magazine gave the album four out of four stars, saying that the album was "a near-perfect hip-hop album for 2008."[45]

Commercial performance

According to Nielsen SoundScan, Paper Trail sold 357,000 copies in the United States in its first three days[46] and went on to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 with 568,000 copies sold, making it T.I.'s best debut to date and the fourth highest debut of the year.[47] In its second week, the album remained at number one with sales of 177,000 copies.[48] In its third week, the album fell to number two selling 131,000 copies.[49] In its fourth week, the album fell to number three selling 93,427 copies.[50] In its fifth week, the album fell to number seven selling 76,560 copies.[51] In its sixth week, it remained at number seven, selling 68,782 copies. In its seventh week, it dropped down to number 10, selling 62,046 copies. In its eighth week, it dropped down to number 14, selling 50,587 copies. The album has sold over 2 million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.[52] The album received many award nominations and wins including a nomination for 'Best Rap Album'[53] and winning 'Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group' for "Swagga Like Us"[54] at the 51st Grammy Awards. The album also won 'CD of the Year' at the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards,[55] and "Dead and Gone" was nominated for 'Best Rap/Sung Collaboration' and 'Best Rap Song' at the 52nd Grammy Awards.[56] The single "Live Your Life" won numerous awards.

Track listing

# Title Composer(s) Producer(s) Featured guest(s) Time Notes
1 "56 Bars (Intro)" C. Harris/A. Davis DJ Toomp 3:02
2 "I'm Illy" C. Harris/C. Spencer Chuck Diesel 4:06
3 "Ready for Whatever" C. Harris/C. Gholson/J. Frazier, Jr. Drumma Boy 5:12
4 "On Top of the World" C. Harris/J. Rosser/B. Rackey/C. Bridges/B. Simmons, Jr. Nard & B Ludacris & B.o.B 4:57
5 "Live Your Life" C. Harris/J. Smith/Makeba/Balan Dan Mahai Just Blaze Rihanna 5:39 Contains a sample from "Dragostea din tei" performed by O-Zone.[57]
6 "Whatever You Like" C. Harris/J. Scheffer/D. Siegel Jim Jonsin 4:09 Contains a sample from "Redemption" performed by Bill Conti.
7 "No Matter What" C. Harris/N. Hills Danja 4:42
8 "My Life, Your Entertainment" C. Harris/C. Gholson/K. V. Washington Drumma Boy Usher 4:56
9 "Porn Star" C. Harris/C. Quinn/K. V. Washington Lil' C 3:31 Additional vocals by Ricco Barrino.
10 "Swing Ya Rag" C. Harris/K. Dean/A. Chambliss/J. Alexander Swizz Beatz Swizz Beatz 3:18
11 "What Up, What's Haapnin'" C. Harris/C. Gholson/H. Mason Drumma Boy 5:01 Contains samples of "Never Give You Up" performed by Harvey Mason.
12 "Every Chance I Get" C. Harris/A. Davis DJ Toomp 4:49
13 "Swagga Like Us" C. Harris/K. West/S. Carter/D. Carter/M. Arulpragasam/N. Headon/M. Jones/J. Mellor/W. Pentz/P. Simonon Kanye West Jay-Z, Kanye West & Lil Wayne 5:27 Contains a sample from "Paper Planes" performed by M.I.A..[15]
14 "Slide Show" C. Harris/E. Williams/B. Simmons Jr. Elvis "Blac Elvis" Williams John Legend 3:42
15 "You Ain't Missin' Nothing" C. Harris/C. Gholson Drumma Boy 5:10
16 "Dead and Gone" C. Harris/J. Timberlake/R. Tadross Justin Timberlake & Rob Knox Justin Timberlake 4:59
* "Collect Call"
(iTunes bonus track) 		C. Harris/Rosser J./Rackley B. Nard & B 4:34 Additional vocals by Mitchellel.[58]
* "I Know You Missed Me"
(UK Edition/iTunes bonus track) 		C. Harris/Stroud E./Kim W. Two Band Geeks 3:12
* "Whatever You Like" (Live from the VMAs)
(Rhapsody bonus track) 		C. Harris/J. Scheffer/D. Siegel Jim Jonsin 2:06

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2008) Peak
position 		Certification Sales
Australian Albums Chart[59] 16 Gold[60] 35,000
Canadian Albums Chart[61] 2 Platinum[60] 80,000[60]
Dutch Albums Chart[62] 60
French SNEP Albums Chart[62] 51
Irish Albums Chart[62] 34
Japanese Album Chart[63] 14 5,500[64]
New Zealand Albums Chart[62] 9 Gold 7,500[65]
Norwegian Albums Chart[62] 37
Swiss Albums Chart[62] 46
U.S. Billboard 200[61] 1 2× Platinum[52] 2,100,000[66]
U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[61] 1
U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums[61] 1
UK Albums Chart[62] 42 Gold[67] 100,000[67]

Chart procession and succession

Preceded by U.S. Billboard 200 number-one album
October 18, 2008 – November 1, 2008 		Succeeded by

Release history

Region Date
Ireland September 26, 2008
Canada September 30, 2008
Japan
United States
United Kingdom November 24, 2008
South Africa December 29, 2008
Jamaica December 30, 2008

References

  1. ^ http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1608762/20090407/index.jhtml?rsspartner=unknown
  2. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2007-11-12). "T.I. Writing Songs While Awaiting Trial". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  3. ^ Serpick, Evan (2008-06-19). "Inside T.I.'s Upcoming 'Paper Trail'". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  4. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2008-05-07). "T.I. Moves Up Release Date Of 'Paper Trail' Album". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  5. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (2008-07-25). "T.I.'s 'Paper Trail' Pushed Back Three Weeks". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  6. ^ "Rap Basement". T.I. Says Rihanna, Usher And Justin Timberlake Are On Paper Trail. 2008-08-05. Retrieved 2008-08-05. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  7. ^ Dow, Danica (August 25, 2008). "T.I. Talks "Swagger Like Us": It Was Kanye's 1st Beat Since The Passing Of His Mom". SOHH. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
  8. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-05-14). "Even After T.I.'s Tough Year, He's Still The #10 'Hottest MC In The Game'". MTV. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  9. ^ Montgomery, James (2008-07-14). "Fall Out Boy, T.I. Team Up For Personal Song With 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Sound". MTV. Retrieved 2008-07-14.
  10. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-11-10). "50 Cent Steals A Dr. Dre Beat From Eminem; T.I. Choosing Paper Trail Follow-Up's Title: Mixtape Monday". MTV. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
  11. ^ a b c iTunes "Countdown to Paper Trail". iTunes Store. Retrieved 2008-08-18. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  12. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-04-29). "T.I. Releases 'No Matter What,' First Track From Paper Trail: 'Facing All Kinds Of Time, But Smile Like I'm Fine'". MTV. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  13. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (2008-08-27). "T.I. Sets New Record With Hot 100 No. 1 Jump". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-08-27. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Graff, Gary (2008-08-29). "T.I. 'Overjoyed' With Huge Leap To No. 1". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  15. ^ a b c Reid, Shaheem (August 25, 2008). "T.I. Talks About 'Swagger Like Us,' Leaked Single Featuring Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West". MTV. Retrieved 2008-09-16.
  16. ^ Cohen, Jonathan (2008-10-09). "T.I Breaks Own Record With Hot 100 Burst". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-10-20.
  17. ^ a b Paine, Jake (2008-12-05). "T.I. Producer Rob Knox Explains 'Dead and Gone'". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  18. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-12-09). "T.I. Looks Back On His 'Outstanding' 2008, Despite Legal Woes". MTV. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  19. ^ "The Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  20. ^ "T.I. Wins 'Viewer's Choice Award'!". trapmuzik.com. 2009-06-29. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
  21. ^ Chen, Stephanie (2009-03-30). "What will happen to T.I.'s career?". CNN. Retrieved 2009-04-02.
  22. ^ Check Out Some Pics From T.I.'s New Video Shoot. Trap Muzik. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  23. ^ T.I. to Re-Release 'Paper Trail'. Rap-Up. Accessed April 9, 2009.
  24. ^ Official website - Music playlist. Trap Muzik. Accessed May 26, 2009.
  25. ^ T.I. to Serve Jail Time in Arkansas. Rap-Up. Accessed May 15, 2009.
  26. ^ T.I. And Mary J. Blige Collabo 'Don't Forget' Leaks. MTV News. Accessed May 15, 2009.
  27. ^ Check Out Some Pics From T.I.'s New Video Shoot. Trap Muzik.
  28. ^ T.I. - The Way You Want It. DJ Booth. Accessed June 15, 2009.
  29. ^ New Music: T.I. – ‘Hell of a Life’ [Final.] Rap-Up. Accessed October 2, 2009.
  30. ^ T.I. Reflects On Career From Jail In 'Hell Of A Life' Video. MTV News. Accessed October 5, 2009.
  31. ^ T.I.'s Paper Trail Reissue Shelved. MTV News. Accessed July 14, 2009.
  32. ^ http://my.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZPersonalizer.woa/wa/viewCMA?id=327923308
  33. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Paper Trail - Overview". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
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  35. ^ a b Watson, Margeaux (2008-10-01). "Paper Trail - Music Review". Entertainment Weekly. Time. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  36. ^ Christgau, Robert. "Buena Vista Social Club, GZA/Genius, T.I. Get Nods". MSN Music. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  37. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (2008-09-28). "Review: T.I. competes with T.I.P. on 'Paper Trail'". Newsday. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  38. ^ Cohen, Ian (2008-10-02). "Album Reviews: T.I.: Paper Trail". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  39. ^ a b Rosen, Jody (2008-10-16). "Paper Trail - T.I. - Review". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  40. ^ a b c McBee, Wilson (2008-11-29). "Music Reiew: T.I.: Papar Trail". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  41. ^ Dugue, Rodney (2008-10-01). "T.I.: Paper Trail". Vibe. Vibe Media Group. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  42. ^ Barnes, Ken (2008-09-29). "T.I.: Paper Trail - Local:Atlanta Music Paste: Local Reviews". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
  43. ^ Saba, Michael (2008-10-01). "T.I.: Paper Trail - Local:Atlanta Music Paste: Local Reviews". Paste. Paste Media Group. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  44. ^ Barbour, Shannon. "T.I. - Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic)". About.com. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  45. ^ People Magazine, Nov.17, 2008 p.45
  46. ^ Caulfield, Keith (2008-10-03). "T.I.'s 'Trail' On Track For No. 1 Debut". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  47. ^ Hasty, Katie (2008-10-08). "T.I. Debuts Big Atop Billboard 200, Hot 100". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-10-08.
  48. ^ Hasty, Katie (2008-10-15). "T.I. Begins Second Week Atop Billboard 200". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-10-15.
  49. ^ Hasty, Katie (2008-10-22). "Kenny Chesney Scores Fifth Chart-Topping Album". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-10-22.
  50. ^ Paine, Jake (2008-10-29). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/26/08". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  51. ^ Paine, Jake (2008-11-05). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/2/08". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
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  53. ^ 2009 Grammy Award Nominations Announced Daily Stab.
  54. ^ Plant/Krauss, Lil Wayne Win Big At 51st Grammys Billboard.
  55. ^ 2009 CD of the Year BET.
  56. ^ Announcing the 2010 Grammy Award Nominees! Buzz Sugar.
  57. ^ Milian, Mark (September 9, 2008). "Web Scout: Spinning through online entertainment and connected culture". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  58. ^ T.I.’s Parting Gift for the Streets. Rap-Up. Accessed May 27, 2009.
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  60. ^ a b c http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display_album.asp?chart=1G50 Cite error: The named reference "goldplat" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  61. ^ a b c d "Paper Trail - Charts & Awards - Billboard Albums". Allmusic. Retrieved 2009-07-30.
  62. ^ a b c d e f g "T.I. - Paper Trail - Music Charts". αCharts. Retrieved 2008-10-03.
  63. ^ Album - Paper Trail - T.I.Oricon Style. Accessed October 16, 2008.
  64. ^ Paper Trail - Japan salesCharly 1300. Accessed October 21, 2008
  65. ^ http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp
  66. ^ Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/16/2009.
  67. ^ a b http://www.bpi.co.uk/certifiedawards/search.aspx
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