After a wait of nearly four years, rapper T.I. finally delivered on the album fans have been yearning for.
As part of celebrating the 15th anniversary of his second album, “Trap Muzik,” T.I. made a profound return to the rap scene with his 10th studio album, “Dime Trap,” released Oct. 5. The 15-track album is everything a classic T.I. fan would want from the Atlanta legend.
While showing growth in his lyricism and subject matter with songs like “You,” featuring Teyana Taylor, and “At Least I Know,” featuring Anderson .Paak, he still makes it a point to give fans since day one the aggressive, confident flow they fell in love in the early days of the rapper’s career.
Production on this album hits a new high for T.I. as well, as he works with talents such as David Banner, Swizz Beatz, Just Blaze and even his oldest son, Messiah Harris.
The prestige of “Dime Trap” gets a major boost with legendary comedian Dave Chappelle narrating the album, acting as the voice in T.I.’s head. Chappelle’s narrative intertwines songs almost effortlessly, bringing the album together as a whole.
While the tracklist may seem a bit feature-heavy, it never overpowers T.I.’s presence. Instead, each feature adds an interesting and unique dynamic. This is most prominent on the opening track “Season,” featuring Sam Hook, and the closer “Be There,” featuring London Jae.
Still, T.I. reminds listeners of his ability to carry a track on his own with the assertive “Laugh At Em” and the boastful “What Can I Say.”
However, this ability is displayed to the fullest on “Looking Back.” On this track, T.I. makes references to topics he has deflected in past interviews, such as a run-in he had with Floyd Mayweather and numerous police departments, along with the loss of his best friend. While reflecting on his past, T.I. uses the chorus to force listeners to do the same, asking, “What you gon’ see when you looking back on yo’ life?”
He also addresses the many questions surrounding his marriage. Divorce rumors have surrounded him and his wife Tameka Cottle in past years during the airing of the final season of their reality show, “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.”
In addition to this, T.I. once again released many upbeat tracks that can foster a great time for everyone. Songs like “Jefe,” “The Weekend” and “Big Ole Drip” add the expected party element to “Dime Trap.”
In spite of the numerous albums on T.I’s track record and his lengthy career, he uses “Dime Trap” to reinvent himself while still showing his character has never changed. His sharpened rap skills, combined with the strong delivery he’s always possessed and the superior production, confirm his self-proclaimed title of “king” once again.
This is an album that can stand toe-to-toe with any in his discography and is an instant top competitor for album of the year.
“Dime Trap” is currently streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and is available for purchase on Google Play and iTunes.
Photo from Houston Style Magazine.
