T.I. Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head

T.I.-Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head-Grand Hustle-(2012)

Artist: T.I.

Album: Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head

Label: Grand Hustle

Producers: DJ Toomp, T-Minus, Jazze Phe, No I.D., Cardiak, The Neptunes, others

It has been a year since his release from prison and T.I. has changed significantly to stay out of trouble. With a reality TV show already in the works, Clifford “T.I.” Harris wastes no time coming out with the latest album Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head an album that places him back in his comfort zone.

            This album compliments his style as T.I. does not hold any punches and put his life on his album without sounding defensive unlike his last album. T.I. starts off aggressively with the open intro “Trouble Man” as the sample insisted Marvin Gaye beats puts him in his zone. DJ Toomp infused T.I. with the trap music beat that makes him a household name in “Trap Back Jumping”. One of the best tracks is the Andre 3000 assisted “Sorry” where he catches wreck. Toronto’s secret weapon T-Minus blessed T.I. with “Go Get It” and laced a cross over, pop influenced beat on “Guns and Roses” featuring Pink. The T.I./Pink collab may seem out of place on paper but this track it works well.

            T.I. does keep his high up tempo energy but some tracks failed miserably, which affected the consistency of the album. The unfocused Neptunes laced “Hello” featuring Cee Lo Green is off the radar while “Ball” featuring Lil Wayne is a average track, nothing special to get off your seat. “Cruising” drowns the listener and didn’t place that pop friendly impact like Live your life featuring Rihanna; it’s simply not a good song.

            Trouble Man is not a flawless total package album but improves significantly over the underwhelming last attempt No Mercy. Although doesn’t have the hunger like his debut opus Urban Legend, Clifford Harris still maintains his self-proclaimed king of the south crown to the fullest. Trouble Man is a balance of the cross over attempting Paper Trail while still maintaining his Trap influenced composure in Trap Music. If you’re not into partying and the good life, this album may turn you off. Although he claimed to be the trouble man, T.I. didn’t apologize for his mistakes; which can revitalize his status.  

            Strong Tracks: “Trouble Man”, “Trap Back Jumping”, “Sorry”

            Weak Tracks:  “Hello”, “Ball”, “Hallelujah”

            Rating:out of