T.I. is one of the premier artists in the music world. Each year he has slowly gained popularity, becoming one of the most recognizable names in entertainment. With that said, T.I. vs. T.I.P. has been one of the most anticipated albums of this year. His fifth LP is an ambitious project that pits Clifford Harris’ two personas against each other.
Previously, fans have heard a conflict between the two characters on T.I.’s classic 2003 album Trap Muzik, on a song titled "T.I. vs T.I.P." Much like the other songs on that LP, this song is a classic. It features T.I., the popular star, having a discussion with T.I.P., Harris’ rawer side who doesn’t forget his humble roots. This new album basically expands on this concept throughout the entire LP. It is divided into three ‘Acts,’ the first has songs by T.I.P., the second has T.I. and the last shows both sides.
After the entertaining introduction, which uses an interesting storyline that ties into later parts of the album, comes the first single, the popular "Big Things Poppin’." This is on the T.I.P. portion of the album, and reflects the quality of it: the T.I.P. segment is the best part of the album, easily better than the T.I. section. In the song, T.I. triumphantly declares "I made it from the bottom to the top, where I ought to be/Who does it this good? And does it different?"
In addition to this great song, T.I.P.’s third of the album features the memorable "Watch What You Say To Me" which has a show-stealing guest appearance from Jay-Z, who has great quotes such as "at least keep it consistent…"
Songs such as "Hurt," which highlights a rapid delivery of the lyrics from T.I., are strong points on the T.I.P. portion of this LP.
The second portion showcases the pop side of T.I. and is not as good as the T.I.P. side. The song that brings it down is the forgettable "Don’t You Wanna Be High" and the collaboration with Nelly, which, after only a few seconds, should be skipped, and the collaboration with Eminem, because of Em’s lack of skills when it comes to producing songs.
However, some songs salvage this side of the album: exultant "We Do This," an upbeat song that should be played loud in your car, the interesting "Help Is Coming" and "My Swag," a great collaboration with Wyclef Jean that talks about various countries around the world. T.I. explains, while saying the name of the city with French pronunciation so that it rhymes with the rest of the words: "you can catch me in Paris/I’ll sleep when I’m buried: what do I need sleep for?"
The last act, "T.I. vs T.I.P.: The Confrontation" is exactly that: an argument between the two alter egos. While it isn’t as good as the song on Trap Muzik because it doesn’t feature the two rhyming, it simply reveals a dispute in a conversation, and is still interesting. The last three songs are some of the best on the album. "Respect This Hustle" includes a verse where both sides rhyme and discuss things with each other. Lastly, the contemplative "My Type" is a classic T.I. song. T.I. speaks the truth ("life ain’t always a dream: horrible stuff happens") and simply asks for everyone to "appreciate somebody that’s my type/because when I die there’s no more people my type, so just remember me right."
In the end, this album’s concept could have been executed a little better and could do without a few lackluster songs, mainly on the T.I. portion of the album. However, it is still a solid album with more positives than negatives.
