 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Paper Trail
Common Sense Media says
Smooth raps, mature lyrics, lots of the N-word.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this album is loaded with the "N"-word. There are also several songs that objectify women and discuss getting women drunk to make them more sexually agreeable, as well as sexually explicit lyrics, most notably on the song "Porn Star." Finally, there's the issue of T.I.'s recent conviction for attempting to buy illegal weapons and possession of machine guns. He addresses this issue on the album, and although he admits he is wrong, he tries to justify what he did.
What's the story?
Aptly named, PAPER TRAIL is T.I.'s sixth album and marks the rapper's return to writing his lyrics on paper. This songwriting and the subsequent recording of the LP were all completed while T.I. was under house arrest on federal weapons charges and awaiting a one-year prison sentence. T.I. references this issue on many of the album's tracks and the theme of laughing in the face of adversity can be heard throughout the album.
Is it any good?
Imagine Lil' Wayne on Ritalin and you'll begin to get a feel for T.I.'s rap style. His vocals are intense and relentless, with that Southern flair so popular right now, but without the stream of consciousness and inane lyrics of Lil' Wayne. As a matter of fact T.I.'s lyrics are as deliberate as they come, precise and meticulously chosen words carefully placed against the accompanying beats and hooks. T.I. is able to capture on this album the unique hip-hop balance of street cred (his house arrest) and pop appeal.
In fact, the lighter, more mainstream tracks on the album, like "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life" are when T.I. really shines. Look for a standout performance by Rihanna on the latter of these tracks, who contributes a cool operatic and techno chorus.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about T.I.'s legal problems. Under house arrest and facing a year in prison, how has T.I.'s image changed since this happened? Do you think he is more respected as a rapper or less of a role model now? If T.I. was a pop singer or actor do you think his career would be more negatively affected by this arrest?
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AGE
Amazing
Good lyrics, amazing beats and good cameos. Language is strong though.
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AGE
Hip-Hop at it's Best in 2008
I got this album for my birthday last monday. I gotta say, I really love it. More original than the Tha Carter III, catchier and more genuine than other commercially based Hip-Hop artists. Favorite tracks include Porn Star, My Life Your Entertainment, Live Your Life, and Swing Ya Rag. Go out and get this album!
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AGE
Amazing Hip-Hop/ Rap CD
This was one of my favorite albums of '08. TI has incredible flow and makes an outstanding performance on this album. What makes this album so good is the mix of hip hop tracks and hardcore gansta rap tracks. So you'd get the language you expect, plenty of the n word and pretty much any other swear there is. Quite a few of the songs on this album are laid with lots of heavy moral undertones. TI talks a lot about death in his family, and how he keeps moving forward despite this. He also seems to praise the people he has lost, as if sort of praying to them. All in all, an excellent rap album. The best of 2008 by far.
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Kid, 12 years old
October 3, 2009
AGE
good if you love rap
i like t.i my favorie rap artist i have this c-d and it is inaproprite if you love rap or t.i get it.i think this c-d has lyrics that are just horrible
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AGE
good if you love rap
i like t.i my favorie rap artist i have this c-d and it is inaproprite if you love rap or t.i get it.i think this c-d has lyrics that are just horrible
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Kid, 11 years old
October 3, 2009
AGE
good if you love rap
i like t.i my favorie rap artist i have this c-d and it is inaproprite if you love rap or t.i get it.i think this c-d has lyrics that are just horrible
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AGE
Use of the N-word? So what?!
What's wrong with the N-word? Why is everyone so offended by it? Why are terms for white people that are apparently inappropriate and keeping me from posting this review of the album if I say them (I'll give you a hint: saltine and a car honks + e) so accepted when N-word is considered equivalent to the F-word? I mean come on! Anyway, definitely not for kids, but I wouldn't call it adult only because of the N-word.
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AGE
Not that bad
there is not that much swearing but in his song Dead and gone there is a bit of violence and N*gga is used in about every song his song Live your life is on for 9 and up because it actually has a good message and is clean you should just ignore the "explicit" marking. whatever you like is on for 12 and up the N word is only used a couple of times
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AGE
Although not all his songs are age appropriate, T.I. is still a great role model. If you seen Road to Redemption, you'll know what kind of role model T.I. is
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AGE
IT's really good
Every one goign to have the beast time
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| Artist: | T.I. |
| Release date: | September 30, 2008 |
| Labels: | Atlantic, Grand Hustle |
| Genre: | Rap |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |
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