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Paper Trail

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"Paper trail" redirects here. For For the English idiom, see the Wiktionary definition, see Paper trail (disambiguation).
Untitled

Paper Trail is the sixth studio album by American hip hop artist T.I., released on September 30, 2008 (see 2008 in music). T.I. 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 Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[1][2] It received generally favorable reviews from critics and has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.

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.[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 was produced by DJ Toomp, Drumma Boy, and Just Blaze, as well as Danja, Jim Jonsin, Kanye West and Swizz Beatz.[7][8]

Rob Knox, the co-producer of "Dead and Gone", stated in an interview that the album will be re-released. Knox also said that the first single off the re-release would be another song produced by himself and Justin Timberlake.[9]

Songs

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

T.I. recorded about 50 tracks during the production for the album,[10] including a collaboration with Fall Out Boy on a track entitled "Out in the Cold".[11] 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.[12]

The first single from the album is "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.[13] The song narrates T.I. rising above his misfortunes, including a prison sentence for weapon charges.[14]

On August 19, 2008, the single "Whatever You Like" was made available for digital download.[13] 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.[15] T.I. announced that he was "ecstatic" and "overjoyed" after setting a record for the biggest jump to top of the Billboard Hot 100.[16]

After "Whatever You Like", the iTunes Store published the release dates for the 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.[13]

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.[17] "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 both Paper Trail and Jay-Z's future studio album The Blueprint 3, and debuted in the top five of the Hot 100, at number five.[17]

The album's third main single, "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna, broke the record for biggest leap to number one. T.I. himself had set only six weeks earlier, when it vaulted 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."[18] Overall, all six singles from the album have charted on the Billboard Hot 100 thus far. "56 Bars (Intro)", "I'm Illy", "Ready for Whatever", and "My Life Your Entertainment" have all been charted by Billboard despite not being singles.

The fourth main single is confirmed to be "Dead and Gone" featuring Justin Timberlake by co-producer Rob Knox.[9] T.I. later confirmed the release of the single.[19] The song was even charted by Billboard before the annoucement of the single.[20]

Reception

Reviews for the album have been generally favorable. Margeaux Watson of Entertainment Weekly said that, "Despite his often earnest lyrics, the radio-friendly party anthems, flirty come-ons, collaborations with A-list pals[…], and outstanding production prove this beleaguered bad boy still knows how to have a good time."[21] 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."[22] Shannon Barbour of About.com said that, "Regardless of the outcome of reality, Paper Trail is a solid combination of rhyme, repentance, swagger and substance." People magazine gave the album four out of four stars, and said in their review that Paper Trail is "a near-perfect hip-hop album for 2008."[23][24] HipHopDX.com included the album in their Top 25 Hip Hop Albums of 2008. [25]

According to Nielsen SoundScan, Paper Trail sold 357,000 copies in the United States in its first three days[26] 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.[1] In its second week, the album remained at number one with sales of 177,000 copies.[27] In its third week, the album fell to number two selling 131,000 copies.[28] In its fourth week, the album fell to number three selling 93,427 copies.[29] In its fifth week, the album fell to number seven selling 76,560 copies.[30] 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. As of November 30th, 2008, the album has sold 1,342,766 copies in the United States.[31] The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA[2] and has been nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.[32]

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 4:07
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. James "Nard" Rosser & Brandon "B" Rackley Ludacris and B.o.B 5:00
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.[33][34]
6 "Whatever You Like" C. Harris/J. Scheffer/D. Siegel Jim Jonsin 4:09
7 "No Matter What" C. Harris/N. Hills Danja 4:41
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 3:19
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/T. Pentz/P. Simmon Kanye West Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne 5:27 Contains elements from "Paper Planes" performed by M.I.A..[17][35]
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
* "I Know You Missed Me"
(iTunes bonus track) 		C. Harris/Stroud E./Kim W. Two Band Geeks 3:12

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2008) Peak
position 		Certification Sales
Australian Albums Chart[36] 16
Canadian Albums Chart[37] 2 Gold[38] 40,000[38]
Dutch Albums Chart[39] 60
European Top 100 Albums[40] 69
French Albums Chart[39] 51
Irish Albums Chart[39] 34
Japanese Album Chart[41] 14 5,144[42]
New Zealand RIANZ Albums Chart[39] 11
Norwegian Albums Chart[39] 37
Swiss Albums Chart[39] 46
U.S. Billboard 200[1] 1 Platinum[2] 1,342,766[31]
U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[1] 1
U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums[1] 1
UK Albums Chart[39] 49

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. ^ a b c d e Katie Hasty (October 8, 2008) T.I. Debuts Big Atop Billboard 200, Hot 100 Billboard. Accessed October 8, 2008.
  2. ^ a b c Kreps, Daniel (2008-11-05). "On the Charts: "Black Ice" Goes Platinum as AC/DC Remain On Top". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  3. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2007-11-12). "T.I. Writing Songs While Awaiting Trial". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  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. ^ Jason. (August 5, 2008). T.I. Says Rihanna, Usher And Justin Timberlake Are On Paper Trail. Accessed August 5, 2008.
  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. ^ Adaso, Henry. "T.I. - 'Paper Trail' - Preview". Retrieved 2008-09-03. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |Publisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b T.I. Producer Rob Knox Explains "Dead and Gone". Hiphopdx.com. Accessed December 5, 2008.
  10. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2008-02-13). "T.I. Is Ready To Kick Hip-Hop 'Back In Gear' With Paper Trail". MTV. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  11. ^ James Montgomery. (July 14, 2008). Fall Out Boy, T.I. Team Up For Personal Song With 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Sound MTV. Accessed July 14, 2008.
  12. ^ 50 Cent Steals A Dr. Dre Beat From Eminem; T.I. Choosing Paper Trail Follow-Up's Title: Mixtape Monday. MTV.com. Accessed November 10, 2008.
  13. ^ a b c iTunes "Countdown to Paper Trail". iTunes Store. Retrieved 2008-08-18. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  14. ^ Reid, Shaheem (Apr 29 2008). "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. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ 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)
  16. ^ Graff, Gary (2008-08-29). "T.I. 'Overjoyed' With Huge Leap To No. 1". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  17. ^ 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. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Jonathan Cohen (October 9, 2008). T.I Breaks Own Record With Hot 100 Burst Billboard. Accessed October 20, 2008.
  19. ^ T.I. Looks Back On His 'Outstanding' 2008, Despite Legal Woes. MTV.com. Accessed December 9, 2008.
  20. ^ "Dead and Gone" - Pop 100 chart - Oct. 18, 2008. Billboard.com.
  21. ^ Margeaux Watson (October 1, 2008). Music Review - Paper Trail (2008) - T.I. Entertainment Weekly. Accessed October 3, 2008.
  22. ^ Michael Saba (October 1, 2008). T.I.: Paper Trail :: Local:Atlanta Music Paste: Local Reviews Paste. Accessed October 3, 2008.
  23. ^ People Magazine, Nov.17, 2008 p.45
  24. ^ Shannon Barbour. T.I. - Paper Trail (Grand Hustle/Atlantic) About.com. Accessed October 3, 2008
  25. ^ - The Top 25 Hip Hop Albums of 2008. HipHopDX.com. Accessed December 30, 2008.
  26. ^ Keith Caulfield (October 3, 2008). T.I.'s 'Trail' On Track For No. 1 Debut Billboard. Accessed October 3, 2008.
  27. ^ Katie Hasty (October 15, 2008). T.I. Begins Second Week Atop Billboard 200 Billboard. Accessed October 15, 2008.
  28. ^ Katie Hasty (October 22, 2008). Kenny Chesney Scores Fifth Chart-Topping Album Billboard. Accessed October 22, 2008.
  29. ^ Paine, Jake (2008-10-29). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/26/08". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  30. ^ Paine, Jake (2008-11-05). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/2/08". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  31. ^ a b Jake, Paine (2008-12-10). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 12/7/08". HipHopDX.
  32. ^ Rich, Joshua (2008-12-03). "Grammy nominations announced!". Entertainment Weekly. Time. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  33. ^ DJ Z. "T.I. ft. Rihanna - Live Your Life". DJ Booth. Retrieved 2008-09-17.
  34. ^ Milian, Mark (September 9, 2008). "Web Scout: Spinning through online entertainment and connected culture". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  35. ^ Brian Hiatt (October 16, 2008). M.I.A.'s Unexpected Smash Rolling Stone. Accessed October 10, 2008.
  36. ^ Top 50 Albums Chart - Australian Recording Industry Association. ARIACharts.com. Accessed October 12, 2008.
  37. ^ Top Canadian Albums - Paper Trail - T.I. Billboard. Accessed October 11, 2008.
  38. ^ a b http://www.cria.ca/goldplat.php#archives
  39. ^ a b c d e f g T.I. - Paper Trail - Music Charts αCharts. Accessed October 3, 2008.
  40. ^ European Top 100 Albums - Paper Trail - T.I. Billboard. Accessed October 11, 2008.
  41. ^ Album - Paper Trail - T.I.Oricon Style. Accessed October 16, 2008.
  42. ^ Paper Trail - Japan salesCharly 1300. Accessed October 21, 2008
Preceded by Billboard 200 number one album
October 18, 2008 - November 1, 2008 		Succeeded by
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