Epiphany (by T-Pain, Hip-hop)

T-Pain provides two definitions of the word "epiphany" for fans who might need to know, as "the manifestation of a supernatural being" or "a sudden moment of insight of revelation." Although the vocabulary lesson might come in handy for some, it sets the listener up for something just a wee bit grander than is actually delivered. Instead, we get a few visceral, engaging tracks along with nonstop explicit sexist bluster, drinking and drug references, and the level of maturity that allows a lyricist to write "I f--ked her and didn't have a rubber on me/it seems I had to find out the hard way the girl had HIV" -- and call it an epiphany.

Despite some stylish, infectious arrangements and clever poetry, the sexism implied in a song like "Tipsy" where a guy keeps his date's cocktails flowing because "you wouldn't do what you do unless you're tipsy" or "I Got It"/"Suicide," a song that assumes an HIV infection is the woman's fault, as well as nonstop references to drinking and getting high are enough to keep this CD out of most parental comfort zones.

Released on: June 5, 2008
Label: Jive Records
Genre: Hip-hop
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes