T.I. - T.I. Vs T.I.P. Review

It's been fascinating to watch T.I. come into his own, especially since his is the kind of career that doesn't happen often these days. Rappers rarely slow-boil anymore, building and nursing a craft over several albums and unfolding their complex personalities in the process. (T.I.'s buddy Lil Wayne is another notable exception.) T.I. has had one hell of an album arc since his low-key introduction of a debut, I'm Serious, in 2001. From there, the organic funk of Trap Muzik (2003) turned him into a force, and Urban Legend (2004) maintained his presence and birthed one of his most popular hits (the still-awesome "Bring 'Em Out")....full text "Listen kid. Understand me here. This is Lyor Cohen. You better treat this company with some respect. You better not be playin’ with my motherfuckin’ money.”...full text Clifford "T.I." Harris declared himself King of the South long before he did anything to warrant the title. With 2001's I'm Serious, he emerged as the embodiment of arrogance, flashing a brooding and cocky attitude that made his claim to the throne seem less outlandish. Harris became so emboldened by the success of his following albums, Trap Muzik and Urban Legend, he titled his fourth record King – just in case anyone questioned his position at the top. But the ruler was "T.I." in name only. As he ascended to the throne, Harris still felt the vigor of "T.I.P.," his unruly alter ego, wrestling to take the limelight. His latest offering, T.I. vs. T.I.P., plays out as an operatic clash between these two personalities – one wants to rule an industry while the other lusts only for control of the streets....full text