Strong signs on the trail

House arrest, the loss of a child and a best friend, and now, a looming prison sentence of one year.

This would throw anyone off their game, especially after being hailed the “Jay-Z of the South” following a string of number one albums. Yet T.I. presents a more focused sound with Paper Trail than he did on 2007’s T.I. vs. T.I.P.

T.I.’s smooth delivery and rough background power the album. His confidence is evident, especially on “What up, What’s Haapnin” and “Every Chance I Get,” where he sounds indignant for someone to replace him.

He still lives up to the status quo of cars, money and women, but there is an unexpected honesty to a few tracks. He explains his present situation in “Ready for Whatever,” with lyrics like, “Now is it that hard to understand if you listen / Die or go to jail that’s a hell of a decision / I’m just trying to let you know that I ain’t think I had a choice.”

The most notable song is the closer, “Swagga Like Us,” featuring Kanye West, Jay-Z, and for the millionth time this year Lil’ Wayne. The song is memorable, though for the wrong reasons.

The West-produced beat sounds unlike T.I.’s style. He is the last to rap and his performance really pales in comparison to the three. After the song ends it’s too easy to forget that it’s even T.I.’s album. Not the best send-off when you're facing a year hiatus in the clink.

Self-proclaimed “king” T.I. once again delivers a strong and well-rounded album. Paper Trail should give fans enough substance to tide them over until he is once again a free man.