Tuesday evening (October 23) in New York City belonged to T.I., as the Trap King himself previewed a selection of tracks off his upcoming eighth studio album Trouble Man. The event was held in NYC’s cozy Germano Studios, where Tip played ten songs for industry tastemakers and label executives. Guest appearances from T.I.’s wife Tiny, David Banner and comedian Lil Duval also added to the upbeat, casual environment. “One thing about my life that is certain,” T.I. said, “is trouble.” Having arguably been “out of trouble” recently, the ATL native said now was the perfect time to unveil this particular project.
Trouble Man mixes the perfected trap sound of Trap Muzik with the mainstream sensibility of Paper Trail, a combination that T.I. likes to refer to as a “hybrid” of vintage T.I. with present-day T.I. The Intro samples Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man” (though T.I. says the project isn’t named after Gaye’s classic). On the title track, R. Kelly belts the two words “trouble man” while Tip runs laps around DJ Montay’s production. “Somebody That I Used To Know” samples Gotye’s hit, and features Kendrick Lamar, along with Grand Hustle signee B.o.B. While Bobby Ray is currently the only Grand Hustle artist on Trouble Man, T.I. assures that may change. The recently released “Ball” with Lil Wayne will also be featured on the project.
However, T.I. seems most pleased with his return to the trap, found on the DJ Toomp-produced cuts “Trap Back Jumping” and the aggressive “Who Want Some,” which Tip affectionately refers to as the “What You Know” of this project. No I.D. checks in on the beats for “Wild Side” featuring A$AP Rocky, and T-Minus crafts the soundbeds of “Address” and the P!nk-featured “Guns & Roses,” which T.I. hopes will be the “big” song of the album. “Hello” features Cee-Lo and is produced by Pharrell Williams, who called in the middle of the listening session to alert T.I. that people were tweeting about it.
The biggest surprise on Trouble Man, though, comes in the form a track called “Sorry,” produced by Jazze Pha and features lengthy bars from fellow ATLien Andre 3000. T.I. advised that he’s been waiting to work with 3000 since 2006’s King. “Six years later I get a call and he’s ready,” T.I. says of Mr. Benjamin where he also argues that Andre, “S**t on me on my own damn record.” The album is still a work in progress, but the aforementioned songs along with “How Wonderful Life Is” are definites.
Trouble Man arrives on December 18th via Atlantic/Grand Hustle Records.
december 18th my ass… won’t hold my breath
I don’t know if you’re aware but 1) T.I. finally has a banging single, 2) he pushed that shit back since Febuary, 3) this VERY article says he led a listening session, which means the tracks are done and dusted, the features have been confirmed… I know Tip is bad for pushing back albums but get a clue
fuck this snitch who talked to the feds
STFU with the snitchin to the Feds biz already. People like you just love sayin that shite all day. Next topic jackass. How the f you know he snitched, cuz you read it on a hip hop site? Whether he did or not is beside the point. The man has a family. What would you be willing to do for your family?
nice
Dude get a fucking life you nerdy loser. Acting hard when really you don’t know shit about shit. white faggot
this album gonna be sick and the best joint this year. all y’all haters talkin’ shit: lick my balls.
looks dope cant wait!
The more I hear about this album, the less I want to get it. Feature this and feature that.
Stand on ya own 2 youngn’…
Got out of jail and said he was back on his street sh*t because of lack of support. Nah, you back on your kiss as* sh*t/bow to the corporate white man sh*t.
the fuck are you talkin about
always bitchin about the corporate white man, when you don’t even know half the shit that goes on behind the scenes? typical butthurt hipster nigga